On a recent visit to the Chandu Budhera canal area on the 31st of March, 2025, I was able to spot a few Collared Pratincole birds at the Chandu Budhera Canal area in Gurugram bordering New Delhi. A distinct bird with an elegant necklace and a red bill, and a brown body plumage. On doing some research on the bird, I came to know that it is a winter visitor to India. The survival rate of these birds is very low since they live in can be very hot.
The population of this bird is on a decline mainly in Europe because of a reduction in the sizes of their habitats. These birds feed on insects which are becoming fewer in numbers due to developmental activities. Breeding is a major problem for these birds.
While in earlier years the species used to be spotted in the months of August to November, climate changes might have had an impact on the late arrival of these birds in the Northern Plains of India. It is safe to assume that Collared Pratincole birds might be more likely to visit the Northern plains of India during the Autumn season.
Collared Pratincole birds, are waders that are sparse winter/autumn visitors to India. They breed in Central Asia and migrate to warmer regions like those in Africa during cold winter months.
