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Pratincoles and Coursers: Glareolidae

Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Collared Pratincole (glareola Pratincola): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, COURSERS PRATINCOLES AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS



COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Pratincoles and coursers are found in portions of Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.


Most pratincoles live near water, with many species preferring areas along large rivers. Pratincoles of Europe and Asia generally occur in grassland or desert habitats near water. The Egyptian plover occupies sandbars along tropical African rivers. Coursers occupy dry habitats of various types, including extreme desert.




Pratincoles and coursers are hunted for food in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Collared pratincole eggs were collected for food in Hungary until that population was wiped out.

Of the sixteen species of pratincoles and coursers, one, the Jerdon's courser, is considered Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction. Populations have declined in their habitats in east-central India due to habitat destruction and disturbance by humans.

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Animal Life ResourceBirds