The Eurasian Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) used to be a typical bird of the Hungarian steppes, but its population has collapsed recently. In the 1990s, there were 20-30 pairs breeding in Miklapuszta, but today they have disappeared from the area and have not yet returned despite livestock grazing and other habitat management actions in the project. The Hungarian population is currently estimated at a maximum of 50 pairs. The species particularly prefers barren, dry, grazed areas. Its nest is a depression in the ground. Both the old birds and chicks have camouflage plumage and blend in well with their surroundings. The species is highly protected in Hungary, with a conservation value of 500,000 HUF.
Eurasian Stone-curlew nestling (Photo: Szabolcs Lengyel)
