SPECIES: Burhinus grallarius — Bush Stone-curlew
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered (NSW/Vic), Vulnerable (SA)
As far as recent projects of support go, this one has certainly been a favourite. In 2019, our project in partnership with Mt Rothwell to help the Bush Stone-curlew through a captive breeding program succeeded in producing chicks to bolster wild populations that had experienced decline. There was much success from the project, with several breeding pairs laying and hatching eggs. We even had the privilege of naming a set of chicks – Flint and Curly, proudly named by FAME donors.
Quirky doesn’t even begin to describe a Bush Stone-curlew. It’s fair to say the species is quite unique, quite unlike any other native bird species. And we mean that in the most endearing way possible. When disturbed, they freeze – motionless – often in odd positions. Think of the game ‘statues’ you may have played when younger at school. At night their call can sound more like a wail or scream – a screech even. And when under threat, it turns to a loud, hoarse hissing noise, in conjunction with raising its wings as wide as it is able.
In 2023, FAME proudly celebrates 30 years of providing support to native species and habitats. It’s been a busy 30 years and the list of projects your support has enabled FAME to fund is long – nearly 70 in fact. Help us to make the next 30 years a continuation of this momentum. Visit the website to view FAME’s project history and make a donation.
Photo: Flint and Curly, courtesy Mt Rothwell