The Great Stone-curlew has a large bill that curves upward. It lives on open ground near water, such as sandbars and tidal flats.
Its thick bill curves upward, with a yellow base and black tip. The face has black-and-white markings, the back is sandy gray, and the underside is white.
It usually eats crabs. A study at a reservoir in western India recorded daytime feeding during chick rearing and several kinds of prey being brought to chicks.
It often stands still on rocky or sandy river and lake shores. It can be shy, flushing even when approached from a distance.
It gives a clear, high-pitched call, often repeated when alarmed.
It has pale eyes surrounded by a dark mask. In flight, black-and-white markings appear at the wingtips.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.