Oriental Pratincole
NameOriental Pratincole
Common NameOriental Pratincole
Scientific NameGlareola maldivarum
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)61
Length (cm)24.5
Weight (g)77
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are plain brown, contrasting with a white belly and undertail coverts. It has a distinctive black gorget (collar) outlining a rufous-buff throat patch, and a short, stout red bill with a black tip. The underwings are chestnut, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a sharp 'chick-chick' or 'kitti-kitti' call, often given in flight or when disturbed. It can also produce a harsh 'krek' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across East and South Asia, from Pakistan east through India, Southeast Asia, and southern China. It is a migratory species, wintering in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia.
Identifying FeaturesSwallow-like flight and shape, Short red bill with black tip, Black gorget outlining rufous throat, Brown upperparts and white belly, Long, pointed wings with chestnut underwing coverts, Forked tail
Description
The Oriental Pratincole is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive swallow-like flight and appearance. It is often found in open, grassy areas, where it forages for insects, sometimes catching them on the wing like a swallow.
