1. a long-winged shorebird with a short bill and forked tail that feeds on insects caught in flight
Usage: ornithology

Examples

• The pratincole skimmed low over the marsh, catching flies in its wide mouth.
• Birdwatchers gathered at the wetland to observe the migrating pratincoles.
• The collared pratincole is distinguished by its distinctive black collar marking.
• Pratincoles are often seen hawking for insects at dusk.
• The ornithologist identified the bird as a black-winged pratincole by its flight pattern.
• Unlike typical shorebirds, pratincoles spend much of their time in the air hunting insects.