Charadrius hiaticula
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.
Length
17cm to 19cm
Wingspan
35cm to 41cm
Weight
55g to 75g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Grey
Beak Colour
Orange Black
Leg Colour
Orange
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic, Arctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Ringed Plover. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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