Oriental Pratincole

Glareola maldivarum is an Asian aerial-feeding shorebird recorded as a vagrant in New Zealand. It differs from plovers through its swallow-like pointed wings, forked tail and short bill. It is brown above with a cream throat outlined in black and chestnut underwings. Long pointed wings extend beyond the tail when perched.

New Zealand records are rare and typically involve open coastal or wetland ground. The regular range extends from Asian breeding areas to Australasia. It catches flying insects on the wing but also feeds while walking. Flocks often rest flat on bare ground between feeding bouts.

The New Zealand classification is Vagrant. There is no dependable location; coastal wetlands such as Pūkorokoro Miranda have the right habitat.