Black-winged Pratincole
NameBlack-winged Pratincole
Common NameBlack-winged Pratincole
Scientific NameGlareola nordmanni
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)63
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)97.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull brown, contrasting with a creamy throat bordered by a distinct black gorget (collar). The underparts are buffy-white. The bill is short, black with a red base, and the legs are dark. In flight, it reveals striking black underwings and a white rump with a black-tipped forked tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a sharp 'kvit' or 'krr-krr' often uttered during flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds in eastern Europe and central Asia, from Ukraine and southern Russia east to Kazakhstan. It undertakes a long-distance migration to winter in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in the southern and eastern parts of the continent.
Identifying Featuresblack gorget, red bill base, black underwings (in flight), forked tail, long pointed wings, brown upperparts, buffy underparts
Description
The Black-winged Pratincole is a medium-sized, elegant wader-like bird known for its aerial hunting of insects, similar to a swallow. It typically inhabits open, dry grasslands and steppes, often near water bodies, where it can be seen foraging on the ground or catching prey in flight.
