Courser

Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor) Tal Chhapar, Churu, Rajasthan, India February 15th, 2013

Courser refers to a group of birds belonging to the family Glareolidae, which is part of the order Charadriiformes. This family also includes the pratincoles. Coursers are characterized by their slender bodies, long legs, and short bills, adaptations that enable them to live in their preferred habitats of semi-deserts or dry, open country. These birds are primarily found in the Old World, with species distributed across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe.

Description

Coursers are medium-sized birds with a distinctive appearance. They possess long wings and tails, which aid in their swift flight. Their plumage is usually sandy or earth-toned, providing camouflage against the desert or savannah landscapes they inhabit. These birds have a unique hunting technique; they run on the ground to chase insects, their primary diet, rather than capturing prey in flight like many other bird species.

Habitat and Distribution

The habitat of coursers varies from arid deserts to open, grassy plains. They are ground-dwelling birds that prefer areas with sparse vegetation, which allows them to spot and pursue their prey more effectively. While some species are resident, remaining in the same area year-round, others are migratory, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Behavior

Coursers are known for their remarkable running ability. They can move swiftly across the ground, using their speed to catch insects. These birds are most active during the cooler parts of the day, such as dawn and dusk, to avoid the extreme heat of their environments. Coursers are generally solitary or found in pairs, although they may gather in larger groups when feeding or during migration.

Reproduction

The breeding habits of coursers vary among species, but they typically lay their eggs on the ground, making minimal nests. The eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged to protect them from predators. Both parents are involved in the care of the young, which are precocial and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching to follow their parents.

Conservation

The conservation status of courser species varies. While some are common and widespread, others face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and disturbance. Conservation efforts for these birds focus on protecting their habitats and regulating hunting to ensure their survival.

Species

The family Glareolidae includes several species of coursers, each adapted to its specific environment. Some of the notable species include the Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor), known for its pale plumage that blends into its desert surroundings, and the Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii), which inhabits the savannahs of Africa.