Oriental Pratincole

Glareola maldivarum

The Oriental Pratincole, also known as the grasshopper-bird, is a migratory bird species found in Asia. It is known for its graceful flight and distinctive aerial feeding behavior, where it catches insects in mid-air. This slender, long-winged bird has a brownish-grey upper body and a white underbelly, with a black band across its chest. During the breeding season, it develops a black belly patch and a distinctive red bill. Oriental Pratincoles inhabit open grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas, where they forage for insects and small invertebrates. They are known for their highly nomadic behavior, often moving in response to changing weather patterns and food availability.

Habitat: Open grasslands, wetlands, agricultural areas