Black-winged Pratincole
Glareola nordmanni
The Black-winged Pratincole is a rare and irregular visitor to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, often in areas with low vegetation and wetlands. It is a migratory species that breeds in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making sightings in Britain a notable event.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Black-winged Pratincole in the field.
The Black-winged Pratincole can be identified by its distinctive black wing tips, white rump, and long, pointed wings, as well as its dark brown back and pale underside.
The Black-winged Pratincole is slightly larger than a Lapwing, with a more slender build.
The male Black-winged Pratincole has a dark brown back, pale grey-brown breast, and white belly, with a distinctive black stripe running across its forehead, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Black-winged Pratincole is similar to the male, with slight variations in the intensity of the colours, but overall, the plumage is very similar.
The Black-winged Pratincole's call is a sharp, high-pitched "pee-pee-pee" or "pree-pree-pree", often repeated in a series.
The Black-winged Pratincole is a ground-nesting species that feeds on insects, often running or standing still to catch its prey, and is known for its swift and agile flight, with a distinctive wingbeat.
The Black-winged Pratincole can be confused with the Collared Pratincole, but can be distinguished by its darker back, black wing tips, and the lack of a white collar around its neck.
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