Plover

Thinornis rubricollis - Orford

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) W IMG 0104

Kentish plover I2 IMG 9384

Lesser Sand Ploverwith Sanderling I IMG 9382

Plover at Vandenberg beach

Plovers are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae, part of the family Charadriidae. They are characterized by relatively short bills and are known for their round heads and compact bodies. Plovers are found throughout the world, inhabiting a variety of environments including beaches, mudflats, and grasslands. They are particularly noted for their repetitive feeding behavior, which involves taking a few steps and then pausing, before taking more steps, in search of insects, worms, and other invertebrates.

Description

Plovers vary in size and color, but most species have a distinctive round head and short bill. Their plumage tends to be cryptic, blending well with their natural habitats, which helps them evade predators. Many plovers have a ring around their neck or a band across their chest, which are more pronounced during the breeding season. Their legs are generally strong, supporting their habit of running across the ground in short bursts to catch prey.

Habitat and Distribution

Plovers are adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of environments. While many species prefer coastal areas, such as sandy beaches and tidal flats, others inhabit inland areas, including grasslands, agricultural fields, and even deserts. Their distribution is global, with species found on every continent except Antarctica.

Behavior

Plovers are known for their unique foraging technique, often referred to as the "run-and-pause" method, where they run a few steps and then stop abruptly to look for prey. This behavior allows them to spot the slight movements of their prey in the soil or sand. Plovers are also known for their nesting behavior, with many species laying their eggs in simple scrapes on the ground, relying on camouflage to protect them from predators.

Reproduction

The breeding season for plovers varies by species and location, but generally occurs during the warmer months. Plovers are ground-nesters, with both parents involved in nest building, incubating the eggs, and caring for the young. The nests are typically shallow depressions in the ground, lined with pebbles, vegetation, or other debris. Eggs are well camouflaged to blend in with the surrounding environment, and chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of hatching.

Conservation

While many plover species are common and widespread, some are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance from human activities. Conservation efforts for plovers include habitat protection and management, research, and monitoring populations to ensure their survival. Efforts to protect critical nesting and feeding areas are crucial for the conservation of these birds.

See Also

• Shorebirds
• Wading birds
• Bird migration