Collared Pratincole
Glareola pratincola
The Collared Pratincole is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, often near coastal areas or wetlands. It is a distinctive bird with a unique appearance, making it a sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Collared Pratincole in the field.
The Collared Pratincole can be identified by its long, pointed wings, forked tail, and a distinctive black collar around its neck, as well as its pale underwing coverts and axillaries. Its overall shape and size, combined with its striking plumage patterns, make it a standout species.
The Collared Pratincole is slightly larger than a Lapwing, with a length of around 24-26 cm, making it a medium-sized bird that is easily noticeable in the right habitat.
The male Collared Pratincole has a brown back, wings, and tail, with a black collar around its neck, white underparts, and a pale orange-buff breast and throat patch, which can vary in intensity depending on the season.
The female Collared Pratincole is similar to the male, with slightly less intense plumage patterns and a narrower black collar, but overall, the sexes are not drastically different in appearance.
The Collared Pratincole's call is a sharp, high-pitched "pee-pee-pee" or "krit-krit-krit", often repeated in a series, and can be heard during the breeding season or when the bird is in flight.
The Collared Pratincole is a ground-nesting species that feeds on insects, often in low-lying areas or near water, and is known for its agile, swift flight, which allows it to catch prey in mid-air with ease.
The Collared Pratincole can be confused with other pratincole species, such as the Black-winged Pratincole, but can be distinguished by its distinctive black collar, pale underwing coverts, and forked tail, which set it apart from other similar species.
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