Breeding adult © Yeray Seminario eBird S29641836 Macaulay Library ML 33645371
Nonbreeding adult © Nigel Voaden
Juvenile © Omar alshaheen
Breeding adult © Marcos Sevillano
Breeding adult © Volker Hesse
+ 3
Breeding adult © Pedro Jordano
© Javi Barón

Vorkstaartplevier Glareola pratincola

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Identification

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Elegant, agile flier that looks like a cross between a plover and a swallow. Adult is warm gray-brown with an elegant “necklace” and red bill base. Juvenile is grayer, with white-fringed feathers. Very narrow (sometimes unnoticeable) white trailing edges to wings and dark rusty underwings distinguish this species from similar pratincoles. Usually seen in buoyant flight over open country, from dry fields to grassy wetlands with muddy shorelines. Inconspicuous on the ground; note short-legged and very long-winged “horizontal” profile. Feeds mainly in flight, sweeping back and forth like a giant swallow to snatch aerial insects.

POWERED BY MERLIN