About Glareola pratincola (Linnaeus, 1766)
Glareola pratincola, commonly known as the collared pratincole, measures 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in) in length, with a wingspan of 60–70 cm (24–28 in). This species has short legs, long pointed wings, a long forked tail, and a short bill, a set of traits adapted for feeding while in flight. Its back and head are brown, its wings are brown with darker flight feathers, its belly is white, and its underwings are chestnut, which appear dark when viewed from below. Close, clear views are required to tell this species apart from other pratincoles that may appear within its range, such as the black-winged pratincole and the oriental pratincole. The oriental pratincole also has chestnut underwings, but has a shorter tail than the collared pratincole. The collared pratincole inhabits open country, and is often spotted near water during the evening, where it hawks for insects. It occurs in the warmer regions of Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa. This is a migratory species that winters in tropical Africa, and it is rare in areas north of its breeding range. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in Brazil and Barbados.
