Small Pratincole
NameSmall Pratincole
Common NameSmall Pratincole
Scientific NameGlareola lactea
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)40
Plumage DetailsPale sandy-brown upperparts and white underparts. It has a distinctive black eye-stripe, a short black bill with a reddish base to the lower mandible, and black primary flight feathers contrasting with pale secondaries. The tail is forked and mostly black.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched 'tchik' or 'tchip' call, often given in flight. Also described as a soft 'wit-wit-wit'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across South and Southeast Asia, from Pakistan and India eastwards through Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Some populations are migratory, moving to southern India and Sri Lanka during winter.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Very pale sandy plumage, Black primary flight feathers contrasting with pale secondaries, Short black bill with red base, Black eye-stripe, Forked tail
Description
The Small Pratincole is a compact, pale-colored wader typically found in open, stony areas near water. It is known for its graceful, swallow-like flight as it hawks insects in the air.
