The elusive stone-curlew has had a successful breeding season in Wiltshire, says the RSPB.

And, to celebrate a hoped-for recovery of the rare bird's population, work on a mural started today.

Stone curlews are one of the UK's rarest breeding birds and their wary nature, camouflaged plumage and nocturnal habits mean they are rarely seen in their normal habitat.

Last year's breeding season of the rare, distinctive birds was said to be disappointing.

In August 2013 shoppers got more than they bargained for when a disorientated young stone curlew was found outside Lidl in Devizes.

A member of the public took the stray to a veterinary clinic after mistaking it for a young bird of prey. It was returned to its returned to its rightful habitat and was spotted by RSPB staff feeding with other stone curlews.

And, at one of the release sites run by the Great Bustard Group on Salisbury Plain, a pair of stone curlews was seen to nest this year.

By the beginning of September the birds had made their way to roosts on another area of the plain ready to migrate back to Spain or Africa, where they winter.

In the UK, there are just two populations of the species – one centred around Wiltshire and the other in the Brecklands of East Anglia.

The Wessex Stone Curlew Project has been running for 30 years, during which time the population has increased due to partnership work by land managers, farmers and conservationists.

Stone curlews nest on the ground in open areas, including cultivated fields, where eggs and chicks are vulnerable to farm machinery.

RSPB surveyors can locate the nests and mark them for farmers to avoid. Many landowners have also put in special nesting plots that provide safe habitat for the birds.

Tony Whitehead, RSPB press officer, said: "With a fine summer and good invertebrate food availability, the Wessex birds have been busily producing young to boost the population.

"To celebrate, the RSPB and Salisbury City Council have teamed up with London-based street artist ATM to bring a stone curlew right into the heart of Salisbury.

"A mural of the bird will adorn the wall of the public toilet block at Queen Elizabeth Gardens, next to Lush House Car Park.

"ATM has been highlighting the plight of a variety of rare bird species across the capital and wider, and was happy to add a stone-curlew to the list."

Lindsey Death, RSPB community engagement officer, had seen ATM’s work in London and so she approached him and Salisbury City Council about creating a stone curlew mural in the town. 

ATM said: "It’s great to be able to show people a bird with such local relevance, and one that is still in need of our help and support.

"I hope the mural will brighten up the wall, as well as drawing people’s attention to the conservation of stone curlews in this area."

The mural is due to be completed by the end of the week.