Glareola nordmanni Fischer von Waldheim, 1842

Body Size and Morphology

This species measures 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in) in length, with short legs, long pointed wings, and a forked tail. It has a short bill, an adaptation suited for feeding while in flight.

Plumage Coloration

Its back and head are brown, its wings are brown with black flight feathers, its belly is white, and its underwings are black.

Identification Context

Excellent viewing conditions are required to tell this species apart from other pratincoles, such as the collared pratincole and the oriental pratincole that may appear within its range. It is slightly larger than the collared pratincole, with a shorter tail and longer legs.

Distinguishing Field Marks

While its dark underwings and the absence of a white trailing edge on the wing are defining identifying features, these traits are not always easily visible in the field. This is especially true because the chestnut underwing of the collared pratincole appears black unless viewed under excellent conditions.

Habitat and Feeding Behavior

The black-winged pratincole lives in open country, and is often spotted near water during the evening, where it hunts insects in flight.

Breeding Distribution

It is found in warmer regions of southeast Europe and southwest Asia.

Migratory Patterns

It is a migratory species, and spends the winter in tropical Africa. It is rare in areas north or west of its breeding range.