Collared Pratincole

Overview

The collared pratincole, also known as the common or red-winged pratincole, is a wader in the pratincole family, Glareolidae. Native to the Old World, this migratory bird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 24–28 cm with a 60–70 cm wingspan, featuring short legs, long pointed wings, a long forked tail, and a short bill.
• Brown back and head with brown wings that have darker flight feathers; the belly is white.
• Chestnut underwings that appear dark from below.
• Distinguishing it from similar species like the black-winged or oriental pratincole requires very good views.

Habitat

It inhabits open country in the warmer parts of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa, often seen near water. The species is migratory, wintering in tropical Africa, and is rare north of its breeding range.

Diet

Unlike typical waders, it hunts insect prey on the wing like swallows, although it can also feed on the ground. It is often observed hawking for insects near water in the evening.

Did you know?

The species name pratincola means an inhabitant of meadows, derived from Latin roots for 'meadow' and 'inhabitant'. It has been recorded as a vagrant in numerous locations far outside its normal range, including Brazil, Ireland, and China.