It is believed there are only 1000 breeding pairs of Bush Stone-curlew in NSW, and the Pittwater estuary is known to be the most southern limit of their range. 

They are listed as endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Where do they live?

The Bush Stone-curlew is a master of camouflage, perfectly adapted to life on the ground. You’ll find them across grasslands, heathlands, and open woodlands, often choosing spots with sparse grasses, scattered trees, and plenty of fallen timber. Surprisingly, they sometimes turn up in places like cemeteries and golf courses too - proof that these birds can thrive in unusual landscapes as long as the ground is open and visibility is good.

When it comes to nesting, the Bush Stone-curlew keeps things simple. Forget elaborate nests - these birds lay their mottled eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, often tucked beside a fallen log for extra cover. The eggs blend seamlessly into the leaf litter, twigs, and stones, making them almost invisible to predators. 

What do they eat?

Bush Stone-curlew are versatile ground feeders that hunt at night. Their diet includes insects and small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, and even snakes.

Curlews also consume seeds, fruits, and other plant material. In coastal areas, they also expand their menu to include molluscs and crustaceans.

Interestingly, these birds don’t rely on surface water for drinking. Instead, they obtain the moisture they need from their food, a clever adaptation for survival in dry landscapes.

What do they look like?

Standing about 55 cm tall, the Bush Stone-curlew is a striking bird. Their back is shaded grey to light brown, patterned with black blotches and a streaked rump, while the underparts are buff and white, boldly streaked with dark lines. A distinctive black band runs from near the eye down the neck.

The bird’s large, bright yellow eyes give them a wide-eyed stare, and its hunch-shouldered stance on long, spindly legs adds to its unusual silhouette. Perfectly adapted to life on the ground, its plumage blends in with its surroundings, making it great at camouflaging on the ground.

How can you support the Bush Stone-curlew?

• Keep your dog on a leash: Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping your dog on leash outside of off-leash areas.
• Stay on the path: When cycling or walking through natural areas, stick to the path so you don't disturb any habitat.
• Keep pets indoors, especially at night: Dog and cat attacks are one of the largest threats to native wildlife.
• Report fox sightings: Report any fox activity to FoxScan.
• Report injured wildlife to WIRES (1300 094 737) or Sydney Wildlife (9413 4300). 
• Manage household chemicals: Use minimal amounts of fertilisers and pesticides on lawns and wash cars with water or eco-friendly soap to prevent chemicals from washing into our local waterways.
• Join a local Bushcare group: Participate in supervised bush regeneration to help restore habitat.
• Join local clean ups: Participate in local clean up groups such as the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew.

Fun facts

• The call of a curlew is distinctive and can be described as a drawn-out, mournful, high-pitched, wailing ‘wer-loooo wer-loooo’ that is frequently heard at dusk and during the night.
• When trying to attract a mate, the Bush Stone-curlew does a courtship dance that often lasts an hour or more. The curlew will stamp their feet up and down with their wings and neck outstretched while making a loud calling noise.