The bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) is a ground dwelling, nocturnal bird with prominent yellow eyes that are ideal for nighttime hunting. It has grey-brown or rufous-brown colouring on its upper region with a white belly and black streaks throughout. Its long legs give it height and fast mobility to observe and run to avoid predators. The bush stone-curlew is renowned for its haunting call, often described as a high-pitched wail. Found throughout most of Australia, numbers have drastically reduced in south-eastern regions since European settlement, their status is now Critically Endangered in Victoria.
The Koala Conservation Reserve is currently home to captive bush stone-curlews housed in two large aviaries where visitors can view and learn about the species and their proposed recovery on Milawul.
Download bush stone-curlew infographic here.
Our role
In 2019, Phillip Island Nature Parks recognised the exceptional opportunity for the organisation to contribute to significant conservation outcomes for Victoria through rewilding and the protection of threatened flora and fauna species. Following this, a Threatened Species Plan (2019) was developed in consultation with key stakeholders representing a diverse range of parties involved in managing and coexisting with threatened species on Phillip Island (Milawul).
This plan looked at both current vulnerable species and the recovery of threatened fauna that were once found on Phillip Island (Milawul), with the bush stone-curlew identified as a priority species.
Phillip Island (Milawul) is part of the bush stone-curlew’s natural home range – they were last seen on the island in the 1970s – and there are areas on the island with broadly suitable and intact habitat for the species. The removal of red foxes, together with a strong history of robust conservation governance, management and research, means this location is primed to be a stronghold for the species.
This is a long-term program, and we expect setbacks and delays. See below for the program timeline.
View a snapshot video of reintroduction here:
Get involved and make an impact
Phillip Island Nature Parks has made a long-term commitment to the program, and it will contribute to the overall recovery of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia. You can get involved with this program by:
- Report sightings of the bush stone-curlew at Victorian bush stone-curlews (Burhinus grallarius) · iNaturalist or email community@penguins.org.au
- Joining our Curlew Custodians volunteer team here
The Curlew Custodians volunteer program was developed in 2023 to support the provision of care and feeding of the captive birds and create awareness and education for the species. For more information click here.
- Adopt a bush stone-curlew through Penguin Foundation.
- Slowing down when driving – dusk to dawn is when birds are most active.
- Keep dogs on a leash and cats contained at all times.
- Support and adopt the 24-hour cat containment rules.
- Leave fallen logs on the ground for habitat.
To learn more about the bush stone-curlew trial reintroduction program, view our Research.
