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
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Forest-living kingfisher with a white belly and vibrant multi-tone blue wings and back. Note bright white spot in front of the eyes that does not extend back over the eye. In flight shows diagnostic large white wing panels. Often perches prominently, including on powerlines and trees.
Mikado Pheasant
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A stunning pheasant species endemic to Taiwan, the male a rich slaty blue with white markings and red facial skin, the female rich brown with extensive pale feather edges. Generally retiring, foraging quietly in the undergrowth of montane forests, but occasionally seen in the open, particularly in places where fed. Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family units (female with young). In breeding season, males drum with wings and give shrill whistling calls. Male lacks white back and tail of Swinhoe’s Pheasant; female has dark bill, grayish legs, pale markings below, and graduated, pointy tail, unlike female Swinhoe’s.
Jamaican Vireo
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A small inhabitant of thickets in woodlands and scrublands where it feeds by actively searching for insects within tangles; avoids mangroves and well-manicured woodlands that lack dense undergrowth. The Greater Antillean Elaenia shares this species’ wingbars and overall dull coloration, but the elaenia has prominent whitish markings around the eye and is usually found perched upright or flycatching. The Jamaican Vireo’s song includes a “chi-wee, chi-wee, chi-wee, chi-wee, you,” a “chi-wuh, chi-wuh, chi-wuh, zha,” and a “wee-wee-zhrr.” Calls include “jip,” given singly or in a series, and a harsh upslurred “zhweee.”
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