Common name: Cream-colored Courser
Scientific name: Cursorius cursor
Family: Glareolidae

Size:
Body length: 24–28 cm
Wingspan: 50–57 cm
Weight: 90–150 g

Identification:
A slender, long-legged desert bird with pale sandy-buff plumage that blends perfectly with arid landscapes. It has a distinctive black eye stripe extending from the bill through the eye, bordered by a white supercilium. The underparts are whitish, and the legs are long and adapted for running. In flight, it shows a striking contrast with darker wings and pale body.

Habitat:
Open deserts, semi-desert plains, gravel flats, and arid steppe. Prefers wide, open landscapes with sparse vegetation.

Status in the UAE:
Resident and locally common. Widely distributed across desert habitats, especially in open plains and gravel areas.

Diet:
Carnivorous (insectivorous) — feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and other small invertebrates.

Behavior:
Highly adapted to running, often moving quickly across open ground rather than flying. Usually seen singly or in pairs. Active during cooler parts of the day. Rarely associated with water. Relies on camouflage and speed to avoid predators.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)