More critically-endangered bush stone-curlews will be released this month onto Phillip Island, following the initial release of 12 last August.

Nature Parks said the new release of a further 24 birds comes after "one of the highest survival rates in a trial release of this species", at 75 per cent survival.

Nine birds survived the original trial release, with two becoming victims of roadkill and the third "also a suspected but unconfirmed road incident".

All incidents were at separate times and locations.

Last August, Nature Parks released the bush stone-curlews from captivity into Oswin Roberts Reserve, each wearing little GPS backpacks so they can be tracked.

Nature Parks scientist and project leader Dr Duncan Sutherland said the trial had been a "great success", "one of the best outcomes for this stage of any reintroduction of the species".

"The six-month post-release health checks showed the birds are in good condition, an indication they have settled into their new environment successfully," Dr Sutherland said.

He said the birds were particularly vulnerable while adapting to survival in the wild.

"The first stage of the project was to determine if bush stone-curlews could survive on Phillip Island.

"Now that we know they can, the time is right to release a larger cohort with the aim to establish a self-sustaining population while at the same time test alternative strategies to maximise success."

Dr Sutherland said the new batch of 24 will be released this month as April offers the ideal seasonal conditions to allow the new birds to integrate with the previously released birds.

Birds released in the next cohort will initially have their wings clipped to help secure them in good habitat and improve survival rates, but it means they will not be able to fly until they moult and grow new feathers next year.

"The (first group of) birds are starting to regrow their flight feathers, and while they still can't fly great distances or at height, once the feathers fully grow in and they get a bit of practice, we may start seeing them fly up to several kilometres each night making their way to their foraging grounds," he explained.

Residents in Sunderland Bay, Surf Beach, Sunset Strip, Silverleaves and Rhyll should be vigilant as the birds are expected to move along paths and roads as they establish their home ranges.

Researchers will continue to monitor the birds' movements with GPS trackers, undertake health checks, and record their activities with acoustic recorders and remote cameras to reveal the threats to birds and their long-term recovery.

New signs

Nature Parks will erect new road signs featuring the bush stone-curlew, urging people to slow down for wildlife on our roads.

Dr Sutherland said the community could play a role in the success of the program, by slowing down when driving, particularly while it is darker when the birds are most active, and reporting any sightings on the Victorian bush stone-curlew project at www.inaturalist.org or by emailing community@penguins.org.au

Also keep dogs on-leash and cats indoors, and leave fallen logs on the ground as they provide essential habitat for the birds.

The bush stone-curlew is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal bird, known for its resounding call.

Phillip Island once supported a wild population of bush stone curlews, however, there have been no records of them since the 1970s.

The trial - between the Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and The Australian National University - is to improve the long-term viability of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia.

Donations to support the bush stone-curlew reintroduction on Phillip Island can be made at penguinfoundation.org.au/donate/appeals/bsc-appeal