Glareola lactea Temminck, 1820

Body and Limb Morphology

This bird has short legs, long pointed wings, and a short tail. Its short bill is an adaptation for aerial feeding.

Plumage and Etymology

When on the ground, it appears mainly pale grey, which is the source of its specific epithet lactea, meaning milky. Its crown is brown.

Upper Wing Plumage

The upper surface of the wings is grey, with black primary feathers and black-and-white bars along the rear edge of the inner flight feathers.

Underwing Plumage

The underwings are mainly black.

Tail Plumage

The tail is white with a black triangular marking at its tip.

Belly Plumage

The belly is white.

Geographic Distribution

This species, the small pratincole, is a resident breeding bird found in India, Western Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Breeding Biology

It breeds between December and March on gravel or sand banks near rivers and lakes, laying 2 to 4 eggs in a scrape dug into the ground. Documented breeding areas include small locations in northern Karnataka's Manvi district (Raichur, along the Hemavathi River) and northern Kerala near Kannur.

Size Measurements

The small pratincole measures only 16.5–18.5 cm (6.5–7.3 in) in total length, with a wingspan of 42–48 cm (17–19 in).

Flight Resemblance

Due to its small size, it can be briefly mistaken for swifts or swallows when in flight.

Feeding Behavior

The most unusual trait of pratincoles is that while they are classified as waders, they typically hunt insect prey on the wing like swallows, though they can also feed on the ground.

Habitat and Foraging Activity

The small pratincole inhabits open country, and is often seen near water in the evening, flying to catch insects.