About Burhinus vermiculatus (Cabanis, 1868)
Size Measurements
Burhinus vermiculatus, commonly known as the water thick-knee, measures 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) in length and weighs 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz).
Bill Features
This species has a heavy black bill, with a pale yellow patch running from the nostril to the base of the bill.
Wing and Tail Features
It has broad, blunt wings and a short tail.
Leg and Iris Features
Its legs are pale greenish yellow, and its greenish yellow iris is marked with fine black tracing.
Geographical Range
The water thick-knee has a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Habitat Preferences
Throughout its range, the water thick-knee inhabits the edges of lakes, estuaries and rivers, as well as mangroves and sheltered beaches.
Elevation and Shelter Requirements
It requires bushes or nearby woodland for shelter, and occurs at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).
