Oriental Pratincole: Asian Sky Traveler

Observing migrant shorebirds is very interesting, one of which is the beautiful bird Glareola maldivarum, or better known as the Oriental Pratincole. This migrant species is a stunning bird from the Glareolidae family. This bird has a uniqueness that distinguishes it from other shorebirds, with a slender body, long tapering wings, and an elegant forked tail. The brown color on its body combines with black and white stripes on its face and neck, creating a fascinating contrasting pattern.

The Oriental Pratincole is a species of wandering bird that spends most of its life in the air. This bird breeds from Northern Pakistan and the Kashmir region, sporadically south to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Indochina, eastern China, Manchuria, the Philippines, and then migrates to tropical areas such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and even Africa. Its main habitat is grasslands, wetlands, and open areas near water sources.

The Oriental Pratincole preys on insects such as dragonflies and moths in hunting for their food prey. Its aerobatic abilities allow it to catch prey with precision, making it one of the most efficient birds in hunting in the air.

One of the main attractions of this bird is its extraordinary migration. Every year, the Oriental Pratincole travels thousands of kilometers from its breeding grounds to its wintering grounds. Some populations have even been recorded crossing the Indian Ocean to reach Australia.

This migration not only shows their physical toughness but also their extraordinary navigational abilities. These birds use a combination of the earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun, and star signals to find their way.

Although the Oriental Pratincole is a common and widespread species, threats remain. Climate change, land conversion to agriculture, and loss of wetland habitat are major challenges to their survival.

In Sumatra, especially the province of Aceh, I found them on the west coast with quite a large group. Although this part of the west coast is rarely found migratory shorebirds compared to the east coast of Aceh.

For birdwatchers, the Oriental Pratincole is an interesting species to observe, especially during the migration season. In Southeast Asia, they are often seen in open fields or rice fields, flying low chasing insects.

Watching these birds in their natural habitat is an inspiring experience, considering the extraordinary journey they undertake every year. The Oriental Pratincole is a reminder of nature’s amazing adaptations and the importance of preserving ecosystems for all living things.

Have you ever seen an Oriental Pratincole in its natural habitat? Share your experience in the comments!