Kentish Plover
Least ConcernCharadrius alexandrinus
Visual Identification
Kentish Plover
Appearance
The Kentish Plover is a small, compact shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It has a pale brown upper body, white underparts, and a thin black bill. During the breeding season, males develop a black forehead band, ear patches, and an incomplete breast band.
Females and non-breeding males have a more subdued plumage, lacking the black markings. Juveniles resemble females but have buff-edged feathers on their upperparts, giving them a scaly appearance.
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
42cm to 45cm
Weight
35g to 50g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Kentish Plovers inhabit coastal areas, including sandy and shingle beaches, salt marshes, and lagoons. They are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Some populations are also found in the Americas, where they are often referred to as Snowy Plovers.
In the UK, they are extremely rare breeding birds, mainly found in southeast England. During winter, some populations migrate to warmer coastal areas in southern Europe and Africa, while others remain resident year-round in suitable habitats.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Kentish Plovers primarily feed on small invertebrates found on beaches and mudflats. Their diet includes marine worms, small crustaceans, molluscs, and insects. They also occasionally eat eel grass and seaweed.
They use their keen eyesight to spot prey on the surface and sometimes probe the sand or mud with their bills to extract hidden food items.
Behaviour
Kentish Plovers are often seen running quickly along beaches and mudflats, pausing frequently to peck at the ground for food. They have a characteristic 'stop-run-stop' foraging technique.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates, flying in circles and calling loudly.
Vocalisation
The Kentish Plover has a distinctive call, typically a soft, whistling 'piu' or 'pee-oo'. During the breeding season, males produce a more varied repertoire, including a rapid 'prrrt' trill during courtship displays. When alarmed, they emit a sharp 'kip' or 'kit' call to alert others of potential danger.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Kentish Plovers typically occurs from April to July. Males establish territories and create several scrapes in the sand, from which the female chooses one for nesting. They form monogamous pairs, although mate switching between clutches is not uncommon.
The nest is a simple scrape in the sand or shingle, sometimes lined with small pebbles or shell fragments. Females usually lay three eggs, which are pale buff-coloured with dark spots, providing excellent camouflage.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24-26 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest within hours of hatching. They fledge after 28-32 days, with parents sharing the care of the young until they become independent.
Lifespan
years
The Kentish Plover typically lives for 8 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, Kentish Plover populations are declining in parts of Europe due to habitat loss and disturbance.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites, managing coastal habitats, and raising awareness among beachgoers to minimise disturbance during nesting season.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Kentish Plovers on sandy beaches, salt pans, and coastal lagoons
- Observe their distinctive running and stopping behaviour while foraging
- Listen for their soft, whistling 'piu' call
- Use binoculars to spot the black markings on breeding males
- Be cautious not to disturb nesting areas, as their nests are well-camouflaged on the ground
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Snowy Plover
Family:
CharadriidaePredators
Main predators include gulls, crows, foxes, and various birds of prey. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation and human disturbance.
Did You Know?
- Kentish Plovers have a clever 'broken-wing' display to lure predators away from their nests.
- Their eggs are so well-camouflaged that they're nearly invisible on the beach.
- Some individuals can live up to 15 years in the wild.
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FAQs
Why is it called the Kentish Plover?
Kentish plovers used to be widespread in the English county of Kent, particularly at Dungeness, until the 1930s.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Charadrius alexandrinus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22727487A155485165.
View source - 3
report, 2006: Wetlands International