Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of birds in the order Charadriiformes, which includes the coursers and pratincoles. These birds are found in the Old World, primarily in Africa and Asia, with some species also present in Europe and Australia.

Description

Members of the Glareolidae family are characterized by their slender bodies, long wings, and short legs. They have a distinctive flight pattern, often described as graceful and buoyant. The plumage of these birds is generally cryptic, aiding in camouflage within their natural habitats.

Taxonomy

The family Glareolidae is divided into two subfamilies:

• Cursoriinae (coursers)
• Glareolinae (pratincoles)

Coursers

Coursers are terrestrial birds that inhabit open, arid regions such as deserts and savannas. They are known for their long legs and short bills, which they use to catch insects on the ground. Notable species include the Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor) and the Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus).

Pratincoles

Pratincoles are more aerial than coursers and are often found near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. They have shorter legs and longer wings compared to coursers, and they catch insects in flight. Examples of pratincoles include the Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) and the Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum).

Habitat

Glareolidae species occupy a variety of habitats ranging from arid deserts to wetlands. Coursers are typically found in dry, open landscapes, while pratincoles prefer areas near water.

Behavior

These birds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet of insects and other small invertebrates. Coursers forage on the ground, often running swiftly to catch their prey, while pratincoles are adept at catching insects in mid-air.

Breeding

Glareolidae species generally nest on the ground, laying their eggs in simple scrapes. The eggs are often well-camouflaged to blend in with the surrounding environment. Both parents typically share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Conservation

The conservation status of Glareolidae species varies. Some species are considered to be of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while others face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and management to ensure the survival of these unique birds.

Gallery

• Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)
  Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)
• Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor)
  Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor)

See also

• List of Charadriiformes by population
• List of birds of Africa
• List of birds of Asia