A bush stone-curlew shot through the wing and torso with an arrow is lucky to be alive, its rescuers say.

The adult bird was found walking around with the arrow protruding from its body near the Whitsundays Airport at Airlie Beach in north Queensland on Sunday afternoon.

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays’ Dianne Jessop received the call to come to its aid.

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She and her husband managed to capture it and help remove the arrow.

“It’s doing quite well, it’s a very lucky bird,” he said.

“It just missed the bone in its wing and the chest injury isn’t too bad.

“The vet reckons it’s got a good chance of a full recovery but it’s going to take a few weeks. I have extra medication – antibiotics and pain relief.”

The bush stone-curlew should be back to full health soon.

The bird is now on the mend at Mrs Jessop’s home.

“It’s settled … we’re keeping it very quiet. It’s in a small basket, it can stand up, and is eating really well. It’s comfortable, everything seems good at the moment.”

The RSPCA have been made aware of the incident, as have the local police.

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said he was hopeful a member of the public would know something, or recognise the arrow, and pass the information on.

“Ninety-nine times out of 100 the animal isn’t killed instantly [when shot with an arrow] and they end up dying a prolonged death if they’re not found quickly,” he said.

“Unfortunately we’ve had possums, cats, birds, wallabies, and kangaroos, shot with arrows. I can’t think of the last time one would’ve been killed instantly – they’ve all been found wandering around with arrows in them.”

He said it may be possible to identify where the arrow was purchased.

“Some arrows are quite distinctive … you can manage to track down where they were bought,” Mr Beatty said.

“If anyone knows anything they can also contact RSPCA on 1300 264 625.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Australia are offering up to $5000 as a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or persons responsible.