Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Small pratincole

Glareola lactea

Coenraad Jacob Temminck, 1820

In Thai: นกแอ่นทุ่งเล็ก

The small pratincole, little pratincole, or small Indian pratincole (Glareola lactea), is a small wader in the pratincole family, Glareolidae.

Distribution

The small pratincole is a resident breeder in India, Western Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It breeds from December to March on gravel or sand banks near rivers and lakes, laying 2-4 eggs in a ground scrape. Breeding areas include small areas in northern Karnataka (manvi district raichur.(and along the Hemavathi River) and northern Kerala near Kannur.

This species is only 16.5-18.5 cm in length, with a 42–48 cm wingspan. Because of its small size, the small pratincole can be briefly confused in flight with swifts or swallows.

Description

This bird has short legs, long pointed wings and a short tail. Its short bill is an adaptation to aerial feeding. On the ground, it looks mainly pale grey (hence lactea, milky). The crown of the head is brown.

The wings are grey above with black primaries and black and white bars at the rear edge of the inner flight feathers. The underwings are mainly black. The tail is white with a black terminal triangle. The belly is white.

Ecology

The most 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.

The small pratincole is a species of open country, and is often seen near water in the evening, hawking for insects.

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Category / Seasonal Status

Wiki listed status (concerning Thai population): Resident and winter visitor

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal status: Resident or presumed resident

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Glareolidae
Genus
Glareola
Species
Glareola lactea

Common names

  • English: Little pratincole
  • French: Glaréole lactée
  • Thai: นกแอ่นทุ่งเล็ก

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Near Threatened (IUCN3.1)

Near Threatened (ONEP)

Near Threatened (IUCN3.1)

Near Threatened (BCST)

Photos

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Small pratincole
Small pratincole
Small pratincole

Range Map

Distribution map of Small pratincole, Glareola lactea in Thailand
  • Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen
  • Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao
  • Borabue District, Maha Sarakham
  • Chiang Khan District, Loei
  • Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai
  • Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai
  • Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai
  • Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai
  • Fang District, Chiang Mai
  • Kabin Buri District, Prachinburi
  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
  • Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi
  • Khemarat District, Ubon Ratchathani
  • Kumphawapi District, Udon Thani
  • Kut Thing Non-Hunting Area
  • Laem Pak Bia
  • Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai
  • Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
  • Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi
  • Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom
  • Mueang Ratchaburi District, Ratchaburi
  • Mueang Suphanburi District, Suphan Buri
  • Mueang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit
  • Nong Bong Khai Non-Hunting Area
  • Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi
  • Pak Thale
  • Pak Thong Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Pha Taem National Park
  • Tha Takiap District, Chachoengsao
  • Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani
  • Thap Than District, Uthai Thani
  • Wiang Chai District, Chiang Rai
  • Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai
Range map of Glareola lactea in Thailand