A migratory bird in spring (March – April) and autumn (September – October) which breeds in Cyprus and the Akamas peninsula. A significant number of individuals are residents on the island. It’s usually seen singly or in groups (during migration) and in pairs during the breeding season.

It prefers open areas, bare or with sparse vegetation, or with sparse trees (even in olive groves or other orchards without dense undercover). It can also be near the coastline, dry riverbeds and agricultural areas (mainly with cereal crops). It’s a quite nocturnal species, being active during the night, very early in the morning and near dusk. During the daytime it normally stays hidden somewhere with cover. At nights its characteristic call is often heard.

It’s a rather biggish species of the wader family, that is not so depended on water (wetlands), as other members of the family. Very much a ground dweller. It has a coloration that gives it an excellent camouflage and that’s why is easily overlooked. It has overall ground colors, with a white belly, long yellow legs, strong beak with yellow base and a black tip, characteristic large yellow eyes, resembling those of some birds of prey.