Glareolidae

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Glareolidae
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Charadriiformes
Family:	'Glareolidae'

The Glareolidae is a family of birds in the order Charadriiformes, which includes the pratincoles and coursers. These birds are primarily found in the Old World, with a distribution that spans across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The family Glareolidae is known for its unique adaptations to various habitats, ranging from open grasslands to arid deserts.

Description

Members of the Glareolidae family are medium-sized birds characterized by their long wings and short legs. The pratincoles, such as the Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola), are known for their graceful flight and are often seen catching insects on the wing. They have a distinctive forked tail and a short bill. Coursers, on the other hand, have longer legs and are adapted to running on the ground. They are often found in open, dry habitats where they hunt for insects and other small prey.

Taxonomy

The family Glareolidae was first described by William Elford Leach in 1820. It is divided into two subfamilies: the Glareolinae, which includes the pratincoles, and the Cursoriinae, which includes the coursers. The taxonomy of this family has been subject to revision, with molecular studies providing new insights into the evolutionary relationships within the group.

Behavior

Glareolidae species exhibit a range of behaviors adapted to their environments. Pratincoles are known for their aerial feeding habits, often catching insects in flight. They are also known to nest on the ground, laying their eggs in simple scrapes. Coursers, in contrast, are more terrestrial and are adept at running. They use their speed to chase down prey and avoid predators.

Habitat and Distribution

The Glareolidae family is distributed across the Old World, with species found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Pratincoles are often associated with wetlands and riverbanks, while coursers are typically found in arid and semi-arid regions. The diversity of habitats occupied by these birds reflects their adaptability and ecological versatility.

Conservation

Many species within the Glareolidae family are of conservation concern due to habitat loss and degradation. Wetland drainage, agricultural expansion, and climate change pose significant threats to their populations. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and management to ensure the survival of these unique birds.

Also see

• Charadriiformes
• Collared Pratincole
• Bird migration
• Wetland conservation