Small pratincole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small pratincole |
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| In Sri Lanka | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Glareola
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| Species: |
lactea
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The small pratincole is a cool bird also known as the little pratincole or small Indian pratincole. Its scientific name is Glareola lactea. This bird is a type of wader, which means it often lives near water. It belongs to a bird family called Glareolidae, known as the pratincoles.
Contents
Where the Small Pratincole Lives
The small pratincole lives in many parts of Asia. You can find it in countries like India, Western Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These birds usually stay in these areas all year round.
Reproduction and Nests
Small pratincoles build their nests from December to March. They like to lay their eggs on gravel or sand banks. These spots are usually close to rivers and lakes. They don't build fancy nests; they just make a small dip in the ground. A female pratincole usually lays 2 to 4 eggs. Some places where they breed are in northern Karnataka, near the Hemavathi River, and in northern Kerala near Kannur.
Size of the Small Pratincole
This bird is quite small! It is only about 16.5 to 18.5 centimeters (about 6.5 to 7.3 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to about 42 to 48 centimeters (about 16.5 to 19 inches) wide. Because it's so small, when it flies, it might look a bit like a swift or a swallow for a moment.
What the Small Pratincole Looks Like
This bird has some interesting features. It has short legs and long, pointy wings. Its tail is short.
Body Features
The small pratincole has a short bill. This short bill helps it catch insects while flying. Its body is mostly pale grey, which is why its scientific name lactea means "milky." The top of its head is brown.
Wing and Tail Colors
Its wings are grey on top. The main flight feathers, called primaries, are black. The inner flight feathers have black and white bars on their back edge. When you look at the underside of its wings, they are mostly black. The tail is white, but it has a black triangle shape at the very end. Its belly is white.
How the Small Pratincole Lives
Pratincoles are unique birds. Even though they are considered waders (birds that wade in water), they mostly hunt for insects in the air. They fly around like swallows to catch their food. Sometimes, they also find food on the ground.
The small pratincole loves open areas. You can often see them near water in the evening. They fly around, catching insects in the air as the sun goes down.
Images for kids
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Small pratincole - Nest
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Small pratincole - chick
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In the Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka
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Small pratincole in Gajoldoba Wetlands
