little ringed plover

The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a small, energetic wader known for its striking facial patterns and preference for freshwater environments. Unlike many of its coastal cousins, this plover is a specialist of riverbanks and gravel pits, where its sandy plumage provides perfect camouflage against the shingle.

Measuring approximately 14-17 cm, this bird is identified by its brownish-grey upperparts and white underparts. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent yellow eye-ring and a black-and-white head pattern. Unlike the Great Ringed Plover, it lacks a white wing bar in flight and has pinkish or pale flesh-colored legs.

This species is primarily found in lowland areas (below 800m). Its preferred habitats include:

• Bare flats of sand, shingle, or silt near fresh water.
• River sandbars, freshwater lakes, and streams.
• Artificial sites like gravel pits, quarries, and industrial wastelands.
• Occasionally found in brackish lagoons or tropical mangroves.

The Little Ringed Plover is an insectivore that hunts with precision. Its diet includes:

• Primary Prey: Beetles, flies, ants, dragonflies, and their larvae.
• Other Invertebrates: Spiders, worms, snails, and small crustaceans.
• Technique: It uses a 'foot-trembling' method to disturb prey in shallow water or mud before sprinting to catch it.

Breeding begins with spectacular 'butterfly-like' display flights. The male circles with slow wingbeats and a rhythmic song. They nest in a simple scrape on bare ground, shingle, or sand. The eggs are highly camouflaged, making them nearly invisible to predators and passersby.

Highly territorial, the Little Ringed Plover will defend its feeding grounds with aggressive displays, fanning its tail and lowering its head to show off facial markings. While they are usually solitary or found in pairs, they may form small groups of 10-12 birds outside of the breeding season.

The Little Ringed Plover is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN. While its natural riverine habitats are often threatened by human development, its ability to thrive in man-made sites like gravel pits has helped maintain a stable population.

1. The Little Ringed Plover's courtship flight is described as 'butterfly-like' due to its slow, rhythmic wingbeats.
2. They can be distinguished from similar plovers by their bright yellow eye-ring.
3. They are known to feed on small vertebrates like fish and lizards on rare occasions.
4. They use their feet to vibrate the ground, tricking insects into moving so they can be spotted.

To spot this bird, visit inland gravel pits or muddy riverbanks. Because of their camouflage, they are often easier to find by their call—a sharp, high-pitched 'piu'. Be careful where you walk in sandy areas during the spring, as their nests are extremely difficult to see and easily stepped on.

The Little Ringed Plover is a resilient and fascinating species that has adapted remarkably well to changing landscapes. Whether performing its aerial dance or scuttling across a riverbank, it remains a charming highlight of the avian world for any observer.