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Water thick-knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus vermiculatus) [Waterdikkop]



Distinguished from the Spotted thick-knee by a conspicuous grey wingbar.

Habits
The Water Thick-knee, like the other Thick-knees, is mainly nocturnal. It is, however, more active during the day than the rest of its genus. By day it can be found on river and lake edges (normally blending in beautifully with the rocks!). When disturbed is reluctant to fly and consequently runs away head down, or makes a rapid run before taking to flight.

Food
Insects, crustacea and molluscs

This bird has to have one of my favourite calls of the bush in the early mornings and evenings.
I just need to hear it and a sense of relaxation comes over me.

Seen during a night-drive, around Olifants Rest Camp, (Jan'06).

These were taken at Silwervisdam near Batleur.

During our KNP Birding Weekend trip we found out that these are actually very dangerous birds. Bosnimf and Johann both got attacked and nearly killed by them on our one night drives!

From the second photo you can see that he has this attitude of "Come closer and make my day"


Larger view


Larger view

They should change the names back to Dikkop. Much more appropriate. Stupid birds!

is it also the same bird ?

And then, finally, after years of trying, one decides to pose for me...

Shingwedzi causeway, March 2008

Another one....promise I am almost finished.. Is the bird at the back a pied avocet...and what is the one in the front, or are they the same...although the bills look different to me..

They both look like Water Thick-knees to me. I think the bills might look slightly different because of how the light falls. The only bird that looks quite similar is the Spotted Thick-knee, but that one lacks the dark wing panels and is... well eh... spotted.

As JoelR said both birds are Water Thick-knee (Dikkop)

You will notice the pale wing panel and the white line under the eye is also visible especially in the one at the back. JoelR also mentioned the dark bars on the wing.

Light and some of the reeds in the back is playing tricks on the bill of the bird at the back

Near the Gardenia hide:

Lake panic is a good spot to find these.

These were seen at the Sabie River Low level Bridge in Feb this year.

Biyamiti's Water Thick-knees.

The following birds were photographed at Keerwal close to Biyamiti. Love the reflection in the water.