Black-winged Pratincole
Glareola nordmanni
Similar to other pratincoles, the Black-winged Pratincole is an elegant shorebird of dry habitats, not necessarily mud. Very similar to Collared Pratincole, but in flight lacks whitish wing trailing edge seen on Collared and the underwing feathers are black not rufous. Note however, that both of these features may be very difficult to notice in the field, depending on light conditions. When standing its legs are longer and tail shorter, resulting in primary feathers projecting beyond the tail tip, but beware of Collared Pratincoles molting their elongated outer tail feathers. Flight call is very similar to Collared Pratincole, but slightly lower-pitched.
Identification
It is 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in) long, with short legs, long pointed wings and a forked tail. It has a short bill, which is an adaptation to aerial feeding. The back and head are brown, and the wings are brown with black flight feathers. The belly is white and the underwings are black. Very good views are needed to distinguish this species from other pratincoles, such as the collared pratincole and the oriental pratincole which may occur in its range. It is marginally larger than the collared pratincole, and is shorter-tailed and longer legged. Although the dark underwing and lack of a white trailing edge to the wing are diagnostic, these features are not always readily seen in the field, especially as the chestnut underwing of the collared pratincole appears black unless excellent views are obtained.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Glareola nordmanni
- Authority
- Fischer von Waldheim, 1842
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Glareolidae
- Genus
- Glareola
Range and habitat
The black-winged pratincole is a bird of open country and is often seen near water in the evening, hawking for insects. This pratincole is found in warmer parts of south-east Europe and south-west Asia. It is migratory, wintering in tropical Africa, and is rare north or west of the breeding range.
- Breeding range
- PAL : temperate saline steppe near water of c Palearctic: c Ukraine and sw Russia e to e Kazakhstan
- Non-breeding range
- s AF : inland subtropical grassland near water of s Africa: e Namibia, Botswana and n South Africa
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Its 2–4 eggs are laid on the ground.<p>An unusual feature of the pratincoles is that, although classed as waders, they typically hunt their insect prey on the wing like swallows, although they can also feed on the ground.
Conservation
The black-winged pratincole is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.<p>The Acanthocephalan parasite Apororhynchus paulonucleatus was discovered in the intestine of the black-winged pratincole.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cassia Crossbill
Loxia sinesciuris
Stocky, large-headed finch with unique crossed bill used to pry seeds out of lodgepole pine cones. Similar to Red Crossbill, best separated by voice, specifically the flight calls given in flight, a comparatively lower frequency, dry "dip-dip-dip". Endemic to Albion Mountains and South Hills of southern Idaho. Males are dull red or orange overall with gray or brown highlights. Females are dull olive-yellow. Immatures are streakier than adults. Sedentary, unlike most other crossbills. Often in small flocks. Rarely visits feeders.
White-quilled Bustard
Afrotis afraoides
The male is a striking, medium-sized, mostly dark bustard with a bold white cheek patch and a reddish bill. The female has a black belly and is elsewhere finely barred. In flight it has a conspicuous white window on both the upper and lower sides of the wing. Scattered individuals, sometimes associated in small groups, inhabit arid savanna and Karoo scrub. It singscalls a strident, ratcheting “kraak-kraak-kraak” which leads into a maniacal “raa-cha-ka-ka-ka....cha-ka-ka-ka” display as the male flies around 20–30 m above the ground, with legs dangling. In flight, Black Bustard’s lack of large white wing patches separates it from the similar White-quilled Bustard.
Ward's Flycatcher
Pseudobias wardi
Small black-and-white vanga that looks uncannily like a monarch flycatcher. Madagascar endemic that is found in the canopy of eastern rainforest at middle elevations. Call is a short, burped trill. Usually seen in pairs, sometimes joining mixed flocks with other bird species. Overall coloration, including black band across the chest, unlike other birds in its range.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.