Collared Pratincole

Glareola pratincola

The Collared Pratincole is a migratory bird species found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is known for its elegant appearance, with long pointed wings and a distinctive black collar that contrasts with its white underparts. These birds are often observed in open grasslands, marshes, and riverbanks where they feed on insects, particularly invertebrates caught in flight. During the breeding season, they form colonies on the ground, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes. The Collared Pratincole is a skilled aerial forager, using its agility to catch prey while in flight. Despite facing threats such as habitat loss and agricultural intensification, the population status of this species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Open grasslands, marshes, riverbanks

Collared Pratincole
© Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0