Australian Pratincole
NameAustralian Pratincole
Common NameAustralian Pratincole
Scientific NameStiltia isabella
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy-brown, with a paler buff head and neck. Underparts are white, often with a dark chestnut patch on the belly (not clearly visible in this image). The primary flight feathers are dark, and the deeply forked tail is black with white outer feathers. The bill is reddish at the base, transitioning to black at the tip, and legs are long and pale.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet, but can emit a sharp 'chip' or 'chick' call, particularly when disturbed or in flight. Also described as a 'kreek' or 'chick-chick'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Australia, breeding across the arid and semi-arid interior. It is migratory, moving north to northern Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia during the non-breeding season.
Identifying Featureslong pale legs, short bill with red base and black tip, sandy-brown upperparts, white underparts, deeply forked black tail
Description
The Australian Pratincole is a medium-sized, long-legged wader with sandy-brown plumage and a distinctive deeply forked black tail. It is often found in open, arid or semi-arid habitats, where it forages for insects on the ground or in flight.
