Rock pratincole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock pratincole |
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| Genus: |
Glareola
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| Species: |
nuchalis
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The rock pratincole (Glareola nuchalis) is a special type of bird that loves to be near water. It belongs to a family of birds called Glareolidae. These birds are known for their unique way of catching insects while flying.
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About the Rock Pratincole
The rock pratincole is a wading bird that lives in Africa. It has two main types, called subspecies:
- G. n. liberiae – This type is also known as the Rufous-collared pratincole. You can find it from Sierra Leone to western Cameroon.
- G. n. nuchalis – This type is called the White-collared pratincole. It lives from Chad to Ethiopia, and south to parts of Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Mozambique.
How to Spot a Rock Pratincole
Adult rock pratincoles have dark gray or brown feathers. They have a clear white line that starts under their eye and goes around to the back of their neck, like a collar. Their wings are long and dark, with a white patch underneath that stands out.
They have a forked tail and a white belly. Their beak is black with a red bottom part. Their legs and eyes are a bright coral red color. Both male and female birds make a soft whistling sound. They also make a musical purring noise. But they can get very loud if they feel threatened!
Rock pratincoles are about 16.5 to 19.5 centimeters (6.5 to 7.7 inches) long. Their wings are about 14.3 to 16.0 centimeters (5.6 to 6.3 inches) long. Their beak is small, only 10 to 12 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long. Their tail is about 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) long. They weigh about 43 to 52 grams (1.5 to 1.8 ounces).
Where They Live and What They Eat
Rock pratincoles love to be near rocks along rivers and lakes. Their movements depend on how high the water is. These birds travel within Africa. They move when areas get flooded and return when the water levels drop.
They live in groups of about 26 pairs. They stay on and around rocks. They hunt for insects in the morning and evening. During the hottest part of the day, they wade in the cool water. If it's cloudy, they might hunt during the day too. You can sometimes see them sitting on a hippopotamus, looking for insects!
Their diet mainly includes flies, moths, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas. They catch their food while flying in the air.
Reproduction
Rock pratincoles have a special courtship dance in the air. They hold their wings high over their back. They also fluff up their neck feathers to show off their white collar. These birds stay with the same mate for their whole lives.
Breeding pairs leave the main group. They become protective of their nesting area. They only lay eggs when there is a drought. The female lays one or two eggs in a small dip on a smooth rock. These nesting spots are usually surrounded by water.
Both the male and female birds take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. They often return to the nest with wet feathers. This helps to keep the eggs cool. When the chicks are born, they have brown feathers with white spots. This helps them blend in with their surroundings. They don't have their white collar until they grow up. Young chicks quickly hide in rock cracks. They also learn to swim very well, very quickly!
