stone curlew

American  

noun

1. thick-knee.

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stone curlew British  

noun

1. Also called: thick-knee.  any of several brownish shore birds of the family Burhinidae, esp Burhinus oedicnemus, having a large head and eyes: order Charadriiformes

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Etymology

Origin of stone curlew

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

He is postponing his retirement at least until he can get on wax the elusive stone curlew and the long-tailed tit.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dear Sir, The history of the stone curlew, charadrius oedicnemus is as follows.

From The Natural History of Selborne by White, Gilbert

The stone curlew, our little bustard with the long wings, big, yellow eyes, and wild voice, still frequents the uncultivated downs, unhappily in diminishing numbers.

From A Shepherd's Life Impressions of the South Wiltshire Downs by Hudson, W. H. (William Henry)

The willet, or stone curlew as it is sometimes called, is a resident species, breeding from Washington to Mexico.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Payne, Harry Thom