The small pratincole, little pratincole, or small Indian pratincole is a small wader in the pratincole family, Glareolidae.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Found widely across the Indian subcontinent, especially along major lowland rivers with broad sandy banks and exposed islands. It frequents open sandflats, dry riverbeds, reservoir margins, and sparsely vegetated alluvial plains. Outside the breeding season it may disperse locally to agricultural fields and open scrub near water. Colonies form where wide, undisturbed sandbars provide safe nesting sites with good aerial insect activity.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The small pratincole, also called the little pratincole, is a diminutive wader of the pratincole family that behaves much like a swallow, catching insects on the wing. It breeds in loose colonies on open sandbars and gravel islands along large rivers. Its reliance on undisturbed riverine sandbanks makes it vulnerable to river regulation and sand extraction, though it remains common in many areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies on open sandbars, where pairs make shallow scrapes in the sand. Both parents incubate and guard the nest, using distraction displays to deter predators. Outside the breeding season, small flocks forage together over rivers and adjacent open ground.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and twittering, often given in flight. Calls include gentle chwit and trr notes, with more excited chattering around colonies.
Plumage
Smooth, pale sandy-grey upperparts and clean whitish underparts with a slightly darker tail band; wings long and pointed with dark primaries.
Diet
Primarily aerial insects, including termites, flying ants, beetles, and small grasshoppers. It catches prey on the wing with quick, agile sallies over sandbars and water. It may also glean small invertebrates from the ground near the water’s edge.
Preferred Environment
Forages above open river channels, sandbanks, and dry riverbeds where rising thermals and open sightlines help it hawk insects. Also feeds over adjacent fields and scrub near large water bodies.
