Medium-sized, cryptically plumaged, large-headed terrestrial shorebirds. The (tibio-tarsal) joint is swollen, hence the name thick-knee. This joint is often described as the knee, but more corectly is should be called the ankle. They are mainly active in twilight (crepuscular) or during the night (nocturnal), aided by large eyes. During the day they roost under cover, generally in pairs, sometimes with their offspring..
They are highly vocal, giving loud, piercing whistles, mainly at dusk or during the night.
Their diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates.
The spotted thick-knee is monogamous with the male becoming aggressive and territorial when breeding. They nest in an unlined scrape on the ground that is usually placed near a distracting object, such as a rock or a grass tuft. They usually lays two heavily blotched eggs. Incubation is done by both parents. Male and female rear the offspring together, with both bringing food back to the nest. The birds will defend the nest and adopt a defensive pose with wings spread and tail cocked and will even peck an intruder. Sometimes they will fake injuries to lead predators away from the nest.

Burhinus = large nose, in reference to robust bill

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