Great Stone-curlew

The great stone-curlew, or great thick-knee, is a large wader that breeds in tropical southern Asia from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into Southeast Asia. It is 49 to 55 cm long with a massive 7 cm bill that looks upturned, black with a yellow base. The upperparts and breast are unstreaked grey-brown, the face has a striking black-and-white pattern, and the eyes are bright yellow (Wikipedia, general species account).

It prefers gravel banks along rivers or large lakes, and beaches. It is mainly nocturnal or crepuscular but often forages by day, moving slowly with occasional short runs. It is wary and flies off ahead of an observer on powerful, stiff wingbeats. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).