Black–winged pratincole: Red Data Book of Armenia

Coursers and pratincoles - Glareolidae

Status. A rare species occurring in Armenia during migrations. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D1.

Distribution. Spread from the Danube riparian grasslands to the Baltic countries, northwards to Southern Belarus, middle course of the Don River, Samara and Omsk, southwards to the plains of the North Caucasus, Astrakhan, Aral Sea and the Lake Zaisan. Also nestles in some places of Romania.

Distribution in Armenia. During migrations occurs in the Armavir, Ararat and Gegharkunik provinces.

Habitats. Grasslands, clayey and salt lands.

Biological traits. In Armenia, migratory flocks have been recorded in spring (March–April) near the reservoirs. Often lives along with plovers and lapwings.

Population size and its trends. Information about nesting of this species needs to be clarified. Migratory flocks are recorded in a non–regular way and usually consist of 5–15 individuals.

Major threats. The population tends to decrease all over the range. Habitat destruction induced by human activities. Poaching.

Conservation measures. During migrations the population is partly protected in Sevan National Park. It is essential to raise public awareness among hunters and local people.