birding-aus

Identifying bird groups in need of a name change

To: "L&L Knight" <>, "Peter Shute" <>
Subject: Identifying bird groups in need of a name change
From: "Tom and Mandy Wilson" <>
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:50:17 +1100
Laurie
The Bush Stone Curlew's European cousins, Stone Curlew (Burhinus
oedicnemus), certainly do have an affinity with stones, as I can attest
after spending 45 minutes at Weeting Heath in the Norfolk brecklands in the
UK in July this year trying to sort through the rocks, thistles and rabbits
that also occupy the field where the Stone Curlews nest each year (found 4 -
great views).  See 2nd photo down on this page:
http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/nwt_weeting_heath_summer_diary__update
I'm interested that nobody has commented that Cuckoo-Shrikes probably got
their name because:
1 - they have a similar profile and flying style to cuckoos (easy,
undulating, with wings periodically closed); and
2 - (presumably) they do something that Shrikes do too, like hunting from
open perches or hovering to catch prey
So they got a name that covers a bit of both - seems pretty logical to me.
Cheers
Tom Wilson



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