Large, swallow-like shorebird with long, pointed wings, a stout, dark bill, and relatively short dark legs. Alternate Adult: Grayish-brown upperparts. Buffy-cream throat patch bordered with a thin, black line. Whitish belly with tan-gray breast. Mostly black bill shows bright reddish-orange at the base. Basic Adult: Usually paler than Alternate Adult. Streaked throat patch with broken black border. No red on bill. Juvenile: Lacks throat patch and border; feathers on upperparts have white fringes. In flight: Black outer half of upper wing surf blends with brownish-gray inner half of wings and back. White lower rump and tail with black tip; underwing linings rich cinnamon-brown, with warm brown wash along flanks. Collared Pratincole has a longer tail, paler back, more red at base of bill, and a white line on wings.

Length: 23 (cm) Wingspan: 46 (cm)

Habitat:

Breeds on open, dry plains, usually near wetlands. Found on lakes, beaches and estuaries at other times of year.

Behavior:

Gregarious. Nests and forages in large groups. Feeding habits distinctive; either runs on beach in plover-like manner or hawks insects.

Feeding:

Feeds on insects, including grasshoppers and beetles.