Spotted Thick-knee
Kaptriel ( Burhinus capensis )
The Kaptriel ( Burhinus capensis ) is one of nine species of the genus Burhinus, which forms the only family of stone curlews ( Burhinidae ) within the order of Charadriiformes ( Charadriiformes ). The species is widespread in Africa and a common breeding bird in arid and semi-arid regions south of the Sahara. Although the type is missing in more grazed regions, it seems to have been no major total area losses during the 20th century.
Habitat and Distribution
Their habitat is the savanna, the bush and semi-desert in eastern and southern Africa. We distinguish between the following four types:
- The nominate Burhinus capensis capensis, which occurs in the extreme south of Africa.
- The subspecies B. c. damarensis that is slightly paler and grayer than the nominate and lives in the arid south-western zone of Africa.
- The subspecies B. c. maculosus, which has a little stronger dyed feathers and is overall a bit more red than the nominate form.
- The subspecies B. c. dodsoni that is paler than the subspecies B. c. maculosus and occurs to the south of Africa and the Red Sea of Eritrea.
The Kaptriel is basically a state bird. However, in South Africa there is part trains to heavy rains. The Kaptriele then migrate into drier land. The longest, occupied by ring recoveries migration of Kaptrielen inside Africa relates to a distance of only 169 kilometers. Kaptriele that occur in coastal regions seem even to be very sedentary birds. An adult bird was ringed near Port Elizabeth, was recovered 22 years later, only four kilometers from the original Beringungsort.
Kaptriele live in pairs or in small family unit. The wildlife population is not threatened.
Way of life
The Kaptriel is a mainly crepuscular and nocturnal Art During the day he usually rests in the dense shrubbery. Its food consists of worms, insects, reptiles and seeds.
The breeding season is in the spring. The birds build a simple ground nest and lay two eggs. After four weeks of incubation, the chicks leave the nest immediately after hatching. Kaptriele are fully grown after a year and have a life expectancy of 20 years.