Small Pratincole

Overview

The small pratincole, also known as the little pratincole, is a small wader in the pratincole family. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size 16.5–18.5 cm in length with a 42–48 cm wingspan, short legs, long pointed wings, and a short tail.
• Upper parts are mainly pale grey with a brown crown; underparts are white with black underwings.
• Wings are grey above with black primaries and black and white bars at the rear edge of the inner flight feathers.
• Tail is white with a black terminal triangle; short bill is adapted for aerial feeding.

Habitat

A resident breeder found in India, Western Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It prefers open country, often near water, and breeds on gravel or sand banks near rivers and lakes from December to March.

Diet

Typically hunts insect prey on the wing like a swallow, though it can also feed on the ground. It is often seen hawking for insects in the evening.

Did you know?

Despite being classed as a wader, its most unusual feature is that it typically hunts its insect prey on the wing like a swallow.