Gould described the Stone-Plover (or Thick-kneed Bustard), as a bird 'of considerable size, and one which, in my opinion, is unusually interesting, its large lustrous eyes, long and well-proportioned legs, and ample wings rendering it very graceful in appearance.' Gould added 'It is a shy, wild creature, preferring the most stony fields and chalky downs to alluvial flats and cultivated districts...'

The illustration shows an adult and two young, with an adult flying in the distance. It is interesting to note that in his text Gould added a correction to his published plate, stating, that it was 'from a drawing by Mr Wolf, and not, as stated on the plate, by Gould and Richter.'

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in Eurasia and southeast Asia. Winters south to tropical northeastern Africa. In Britain currently breeds only in south and east England, with probably less than 150 pairs in total