抄録
The pratincole, Glareola pratincola, has been considered as a straggler, only ten records being known during the past 60 years. However, recently it was repeatedly observed in Osaka. In August and early September of 1952, '53 and '54 the author observed its flocks of up to seven birds at the mouth of R. Ichikawa, Himeji City, Hyogo. Its coloration, general structure with large eyes and mouth adapted for aerial catching of insects, detailed habits and behaviour, flight and stomach contents of five birds collected, are given. Its stay on migration is very short; it keeps off from salt water and is more sensitive to tidal conditions than other shore-birds. Its flight is often acrobatic and feeds in the air, and makes a long glide before landing. Entire dragonflies, butterflies (Polytremis), grosshopper, ground beetles and ground bees, etc. were found in the oesophagus and gizzard. Often a few entire insects were packed in the mouth.
