Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

Photo by peteee23

Identification

Point of Ayre, Isle of Man

This is one of our most delightlful waders. A small bird (17-19.5 cm body length) with a distinctive bold black and white pattern on the head, short orange bill with black tip and orange legs. The grey-brown upperparts blend well with a variety of shingle and sand colours, so that a sitting bird is often unnoticed.

Distribution

Fortunately, this beautiful bird is widespread in Britain and Europe and can be found all year round. The British Trust for Ornithology is carrying out a special survey of this species (and the Little Ringed Plover) in 2007 - 20 years after the last detailed UK -wide survey.

Habitat

Mostly seen at the coast, but also found inland, wherever there is water e.g. gravel pits, reservoirs and in tundra.

Behaviour

Ringed Plover can be almost impossible to see with the naked eye when on shingle beaches - one of its favourite habitats. Its movement, flight or plaintive call almost always reveal its presence, however. At sites where there is regular human traffic, one can get within 10-15 m of birds without too much difficulty - but still need optics to see them! The short bill is used to forage along the low water mark and amongst pebbles and drift seaweed. Sand hoppers and insects are favoured prey.

The eggs are laid in a depression with no nest material at all, often just above the strandline, and may be inundated by exceptionally high tides. One parent sits on the nest while the other forages nearby. Disturbed birds will wait until they feel safe, then one will run up the shore to the nest. Once hatched, the chicks are soon on the move, exploring their surroundings (see images of 2 ringed chicks). When danger threatens, a call from a parent causes them to freeze and sit tight until the parent calls the 'all clear'. Chicks are brooded beneath parents when conditions are cold or wet, but are left to find their own food. Like other wader chicks, their legs and feet appear oversized compared with the body and it takes several weeks before their proportions resemble those of the adult.

Photo by Benderloch

Photo by Benderloch

Adults will defend the young against predators 3-4 times their size e.g. Herring Gulls.

Bird Song

<flashmp3>Charadrius hiaticula (song).mp3</flashmp3>
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External Links

Search for photos of Common Ringed Plover in the gallery

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages