# Rock Pratincole

> The rock pratincole is a small, dark, swallow-like wader that lives on rocks in fast-flowing rivers. In Murchison Falls it is found on the boulders around the Falls themselves, where it hawks insects over the spray.

Source: https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/rock-pratincole

Bird · Migratory

*Glareola nuchalis*

## In brief

The rock pratincole is a small, dark, swallow-like wader that lives on rocks in fast-flowing rivers. In Murchison Falls it is found on the boulders around the Falls themselves, where it hawks insects over the spray.

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_pratincole).

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Glareola nuchalis
- **Family**: Glareolidae (pratincoles and coursers)
- **Presence**: Migrant within Africa
- **Best time to see it**: When rocks in the river are exposed
- **Chance of seeing it**: Often seen
- **Size**: About 18–20 cm long
- **Conservation status**: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Seen on

- [Brunch at the Top of the Falls](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/top-of-the-falls)
- [Murchison Falls Trek](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/murchison-falls-trek)
- [Nile River Cruises](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/nile-river-cruises)

[Plan your stay](https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact?topic=Accommodation+and+reservations#enquire)

Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933)

## 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.

## More birds

- [Secretarybird](https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/secretarybird) (Bird · Resident · Endangered): The secretarybird is a long-legged bird of prey that hunts on foot in open grassland, killing snakes and other prey with powerful kicks. It is thinly…
- [Denham's Bustard](https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/denhams-bustard) (Bird · Resident): Denham's bustard is a large, long-legged ground bird of open grassland. Males are much bigger than females and puff out their white throat and chest…
- [Standard-winged Nightjar](https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/standard-winged-nightjar) (Bird · Migratory): The standard-winged nightjar is a night bird famous for the breeding male's wing feathers: one bare shaft on each wing, ending in a broad flag that t…

[All birds](https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/birds)

---

Nile Safari Lodge, Southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Telephone Whatsapp: +256 757 363362              Landline: +256 776 938 933. Email info@nilesafarilodge.com. Reservations: https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact