Beach Stone-curlew

Identification

Adult:  The upper parts are a distinctive grey-brown, whilst the belly and flanks are white, the breast streaked light brown.  However, it is the head pattern that is most distinctive.  The folded wing shows a white band bordered with black above and below.  The top of the head and the nape are brown, the supercilium extends well behind the eye, then there is a black band from the lores under the eye to the cheeks. Under this is a white chin and throat band that has a black moustchial patch.  Added to this is a yellow iris, and the massive yellow based black bill.  The legs are various yellows from cream to straw-yellow.

Juvenile:  Similar to adult, though duller and less distinct head markings.

Confusing Species

None

Found all around the deserted beaches of northern Australia, usually in pairs.  All types of beach are occupied. This species is easily disturbed and there are many areas where this bird is not found.

Migratory habits

Resident.  It is probably sedentary.  Once established site faithful .  Almost entirely found by the shore.

Breeding

The nest is usually a shallow scrape in the sand of a beach. Usually one egg is laid.

References

1. eBird. 2021. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available:  http://www.ebird.org (Accessed: Date 12/4/2026)
2. Rogers A, Fuller RA & Amano T (2023) Australia’s migratory shorebirds: Trends and prospects. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. University of Queensland, Brisbane.
3. Driessen, J., Kidd, L. R., Weller, D. R., Purnell, C., Maguire, G., Jaensch, R., and LeClair, S. M. (2025). Australian National Directory of Important Migratory Shorebird Habitat. Report for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. BirdLife Australia, Melbourne.
4. https://sproggies63.github.io/birding_apps/