Wildlife

Eurasian Stone-Curlew Nesting Welfare

Stone-curlews are ground-nesting birds of open stony habitats whose welfare depends on protection from disturbance during the extended breeding season.

Key Facts

UK population recovered to around 400 pairs through conservation management
Stone-curlews nest on bare chalky ground and breckland heath
Incubation lasts 24-26 days and chicks are semi-precocial
Nests are highly vulnerable to agricultural operations if undetected
Birds return to same sites year after year - site protection is critical

Welfare Considerations

Nest destruction by farming operations is a significant welfare and population threat. Partnership schemes with farmers to locate and protect nests during operations have been highly successful at improving breeding success.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB stone-curlew partnership schemes with farmers
Avoid off-path access in stone-curlew nesting areas spring to August
Report suspected nest disturbance to RSPB or Natural England
Contribute to conservation funding for breckland habitat management