Ringed Plover
Least ConcernCharadrius hiaticula
Visual Identification
Ringed Plover
Appearance
The Ringed Plover is a small shorebird with a distinctive black-and-white pattern. It has a brown upper body, white underparts, and a black breast band. The head features a black mask across the eyes and forehead, contrasting with a white stripe above.
Both sexes look similar, though males may have slightly bolder markings. The bill is bright orange, with a black tip and legs also orange.
Juveniles have a duller appearance with a brown breast band and less defined head markings.
In the winter, both sexes lose their bright black rings, which dull to a dark brown shade. Their legs remain orange, although the bill may become completely dark.
Size
Length
17cm to 19cm
Wingspan
35cm to 41cm
Weight
55g to 75g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Grey
Beak Colour
Orange Black
Leg Colour
Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ringed Plovers inhabit coastal areas, including sandy and shingle beaches, estuaries, and mudflats. They are also found around inland water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. Their breeding range extends across northern Europe and Arctic regions.
In winter, many migrate south to coastal areas of western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In the UK, they are present year-round, with numbers boosted by winter visitors from northern populations.
In North America, their breeding range extends to the high Canadian Arctic (Baffin Island), as well as western Alaska.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic, Arctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Ringed Plovers primarily feed on small invertebrates found on beaches and mudflats. Their diet includes marine worms, molluscs, small crustaceans, and insects.
They use a distinctive foraging method called 'foot-trembling', where they vibrate one foot on wet sand to bring small burrowing prey to the surface.
Behaviour
Ringed Plovers are often seen running in short bursts along the shoreline, pausing to look for prey. They exhibit a characteristic 'stop-and-go' foraging technique, using their large eyes to spot invertebrates.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates.
Vocalisation
The Ringed Plover's call is a distinctive, melodious whistle, often described as a clear 'too-lip', which is often heard in flight.
During the breeding season, males produce a more varied song, including trills and warbles. When alarmed, they emit a sharp 'peek' call, especially near the nest or when predators are present.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Ringed Plovers typically begins in April. Males perform elaborate aerial displays and create several scrapes on the ground, from which the female chooses one for nesting.
The nest is a simple scrape in sand or shingle, often lined with small pebbles or shell fragments. Females usually lay 4 eggs, which are pale buff with dark speckles, providing excellent camouflage.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching and fledge after 24-27 days. They may attempt up to 3 broods a year.
Lifespan
The Ringed Plover typically lives for 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20.8 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 currently listed as Least Concern globally, Ringed Plovers face threats from habitat loss and disturbance at breeding sites. Coastal development and increased human activity on beaches pose significant challenges.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting areas and raising awareness among beachgoers.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Ringed Plovers on sandy or shingle beaches, especially during low tide.
- Listen for their distinctive two-note whistle call, often given in flight.
- Observe their quick running and sudden stopping behaviour when foraging.
- In the UK, watch for them year-round on coastal areas and inland water bodies.
- Ringed Plovers can be told from the similar Little Ringed Plover by their black-ringed eye (orange-ringed in Little Ringed Plover). Little Ringed Plovers also have slim, dull pink legs and an all-dark bill.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Ringed Plover
Family:
CharadriidaePredators
Main predators of Ringed Plovers include gulls, skuas, foxes, and various birds of prey. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Did You Know?
- Ringed Plovers have a clever 'broken-wing' display to lure predators away from their nests.
- They can swim well and have been observed crossing small water bodies.
- Some individuals can live up to 20 years in the wild.
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FAQs
What is strange about the nest of a Ringed Plover?
Ringed Plovers do not make much of a nest at all. These ground-nesting birds construct a simple scrape and line it with small pebbles, bits of plant material, and other debris like broken shells.
Interestingly, they almost always arrange their eggs with the narrowest end pointing to the centre.
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Charadrius hiaticula (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693759A155487854.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source