Description
Discover the distinctive beauty of the Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea), photographed in Gujarat, India by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala.
The Small Pratincole, also known as the Small Indian Pratincole or Little Pratincole, is a small and highly distinctive bird belonging to the family Glareolidae. Although classified among waders, it has an unusual feeding style and can catch flying insects in the air, giving it a flight behaviour somewhat reminiscent of swallows.
This original wildlife photograph captures the Small Pratincole in its natural environment, showcasing one of India’s interesting wetland-associated birds. Its compact body, pointed wings and characteristic flight make it an appealing subject for bird photographers and birdwatchers.
Small Pratincoles are generally associated with rivers, sandbars, gravelly or sandy banks, wetlands, lakesides and other open habitats near water. They feed mainly on flying insects and other small invertebrates, often taking prey while flying.
The species is a resident bird in Gujarat and is identified as a wetland specialist by the State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment. It is classified as Moderate Priority in Gujarat, has a global conservation status of Least Concern, and is listed under Schedule II of India’s wildlife protection framework.
Product Details
- Common Name: Small Pratincole
- Scientific Name: Glareola lactea
- Alternative Names: Small Indian Pratincole, Little Pratincole
- Family: Glareolidae
- Bird Type: Wader / Pratincole
- Location: Gujarat, India
- Status: Resident
- Habitat: Riverbanks, sandy and gravelly shores, wetlands, marshes, lakesides, sandbars and other open areas near water
- Diet: Primarily flying insects and other small invertebrates
- Global Conservation Status: Least Concern
- India Conservation Priority: Moderate Priority
- Protection in India: Schedule II
- Habitat Specialization: Wetland
- Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala
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