Bird · Migratory

Rock Pratincole

Glareola nuchalis

How to identify the rock pratincole

Dark grey-brown with a white collar across the back of the neck, a white rump, and red legs and bill base.

Where to see the rock pratincole in Murchison Falls National Park

On the rocks at the top of the Falls and below them, seen from the viewpoints and from the boat.

Habitat

Exposed rocks in rivers and rapids.

What the rock pratincole eats

Flying insects caught on the wing, mostly in the evening.

Behaviour

It rests in small groups on rocks in mid-stream and moves along rivers as water levels rise and fall.

Best time to see the rock pratincole

When rocks in the river are exposed. Migrant within Africa.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Further reading: en.wikipedia.org.

Questions about the rock pratincole

Where can I see rock pratincoles at Murchison Falls?

Look on the wet boulders at the top of the Falls and in the rapids below them.