The swallow-like Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) is a long-distance migratory shorebird that is known for gathering in huge flocks, sometimes numbering in the millions, especially in north-west Australia after a locust plague. Also known as the grasshopper-bird or swallow-plover, it is often seen near water in the evening, hawking for insects. The term "pratincole" originates from the Latin word pratincola, a combination of pratum (meadow) and incola (inhabitant). This name describes the bird's preferred habitat in open country and meadows. The Oriental Pratincole inhabits open, treeless areas like grasslands, steppes, open farmland, dry floodplains, and open pastures, often near water.
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