Black-winged Pratincole vs Long-tailed Skua

In short

The Black-winged Pratincole and Long-tailed Skua are distinct in both structure and habitat. The Pratincole is a wader with a short bill and long wings, while the Skua is a seabird with a more robust body and long central tail feathers in adults. They occupy different environments, with the Pratincole favoring inland wetlands and the Skua being mostly pelagic.

Identification tips

• Location and habitat: Pratincoles are found inland, Skuas over the ocean.
• Tail feathers: Look for the long central tail feathers in adult Long-tailed Skuas.
• Wing color: Black-winged Pratincoles have distinctive black wings.
• Behavior: Pratincoles fly low over land; Skuas are often seen alone over the sea.

Size

The Long-tailed Skua is generally larger and more robust than the Black-winged Pratincole.

Plumage

The Black-winged Pratincole has a sandy brown body with black wings, while the Long-tailed Skua in breeding plumage has a grayish body with long central tail feathers. Outside breeding season, the Skua's plumage is more muted and can be confusing, but it lacks the Pratincole's distinctive black wings.

Behaviour

The Pratincole is often seen flying low over wetlands, while the Skua is typically observed over open ocean, often alone during migration.

Habitat

Black-winged Pratincoles are found in inland wetlands and grasslands, whereas Long-tailed Skuas are mostly pelagic, breeding in Arctic tundra and migrating over open seas.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable field mark for distinguishing these species, as they are not typically heard in overlapping habitats.