Small Pratincole is an Indian Bird and it is one of the resident breeders in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It is a bird of Indian community in the genus of pratincole.
Breeding Season of Small Pratincole
Small Pratincole is a resident breeder in India, Western Pakistan and southeast part of Asian countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Breeding of Small Pratincole
Small Pratincole breeds from December to March on gravel or sand banks, in rivers, laying 2-4 eggs in a ground scrape. Breeding areas include small areas in northern Karnataka, along the Hemavathi River and northern Kerala near Kannur District.
Structure of Small Pratincole
Small Pratincole is only 16.5-18.5 cm in length, with a 15-16 cm wingspan. Because of its small size, the small pratincole can be briefly confused in flight with swifts or swallows. Small pratincole has short legs, long pointed wings and a short tail. Its short bill is an adaptation to aerial feeding. On the ground, Small pratincole looks mainly pale grey. The crown of the head is brown.
Wings of Small Pratincole
The wings of Small Pratincole are grey above with black primaries and black and white bars at the rear edge of the inner flight feathers. The under wings are mainly black. The tail is white with a black terminal triangle. The belly is white.
Unusual Feature of Small Pratincole
The most unusual feature of Small Pratincole 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.
Prey of Small Pratincole
Small Pratincole is a species of open country, and is often seen near water in the evening, hawking for insects.
