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What is a Ringed Plover?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Scientifically known as Charadrius hiaticula, the ringed plover is a small wading bird from the Charadriidae family. It is native to parts of the northern hemisphere, and it is a migratory bird. During the winter months, the ringed plover flies south to the coast of Africa. Although it bears a strong resemblance to other plovers, such as the semipalmated plover and the little ringed plover, this bird is typically a little larger.

Native to the northeastern parts of Canada and Eurasia, the ringed plover can be found along the coasts and beaches. Nests can be found south towards the northern part of France. Most of these types of birds will migrate south to Africa, stopping in the spring in Iceland. The birds that don't migrate during this season can be found in parts of Britain and France.

A small bird, the common ringed plover does not usually grow much larger than 8 inches (20 cm) from head to tail. Most of these birds have a wingspan of roughly 15 inches (38 cm). They have a plump body with short, stumpy legs.

Ringed plovers are small wading birds that are native to the northern hemisphere.
Ringed plovers are small wading birds that are native to the northern hemisphere.

The top of a ringed plover's head, along with its back and wings, is usually a brownish gray color, and the underside and forehead of the bird is white. Around both the neck and eyes of a ringed plover there is a black ring or band. The legs of these birds are orange, and so is the beak, except for the tip, which is black.

The ringed plover can be found foraging for food in small groups, mostly along the coastlines. Its main diet typically consists of small invertebrates, including worms, insects, and crustaceans. Some experts believe that this bird uses foot trembling as a way to get food. It is believed that this method makes insects and other prey easier to see, either by uncovering them or causing them to move closer to the surface.

Ringed plovers are small birds that only grow to a size of about  8 inches from head to tail.
Ringed plovers are small birds that only grow to a size of about 8 inches from head to tail.

Ringed plovers typically become sexually mature at around one year of age. After this, they can be found on sandy or gravel-covered plains during mating season. The male of the species will build a nest and the female will, on average, lay about four brown eggs with small black specks on them. Depending on the area, these eggs will be laid between April and July.

Between April and July, ringed plovers will lay nests of about four brown speckled eggs.
Between April and July, ringed plovers will lay nests of about four brown speckled eggs.

The eggs are small and pear-shaped, measuring roughly 1 by 1.5 inches (26 millimeters by 35 millimeters). Both the male and female ringed plover will sit on the nest to incubate the eggs, and if they believe that the nest is threatened, they will attempt to lure the predator away. By feigning an injury, the parents will walk or fly away from the nest to lure would-be predators away. If they are disturbed before they lay their eggs, many times they will move the nest to a new spot.

Ringed plovers can be found on the coasts and beaches of Canada and Eurasia.
Ringed plovers can be found on the coasts and beaches of Canada and Eurasia.

Baby ringed plovers hatch a little less than one month after the eggs are laid. Although they are quite self-sufficient, both the male and the female will take care of and protect the hatchlings until about 24 days later. After that, the baby birds are on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ringed Plover and where can it be found?

The Ringed Plover is a small, charming shorebird known for its distinctive black and white markings and orange legs. It inhabits coastal regions, estuaries, and sometimes inland waterways across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. During winter, they migrate to warmer climates, often reaching as far south as sub-Saharan Africa.

How can you identify a Ringed Plover?

Baby ringed plovers will hatch about a month after their eggs are laid.
Baby ringed plovers will hatch about a month after their eggs are laid.

Identifying a Ringed Plover is straightforward due to its unique appearance. It has a short, thick bill, and its plumage is predominantly sandy brown on top with a white underside. The most striking features are the black bands across its chest and forehead, and a black mask-like line across its eyes, which contrast with its white cheeks.

What does the Ringed Plover eat?

The Ringed Plover's diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as insects, worms, and crustaceans. They forage for food by a characteristic run-and-pause technique on sandy or muddy shores, visually spotting and then quickly capturing their prey. This diet is essential for their energy needs, especially during migration and breeding seasons.

Is the Ringed Plover considered an endangered species?

Currently, the Ringed Plover is not classified as endangered. However, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and disturbances from human activity. Conservation efforts are important to maintain their habitats and ensure the species' survival. Monitoring by organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) helps track their population status.

What is the breeding behavior of the Ringed Plover?

Ringed Plovers are ground-nesting birds, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes in the ground. They often choose sites with pebbles or shells, which help camouflage their nests. Both parents share incubation duties, and chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after hatching, which is vital for their survival in the wild.

How do Ringed Plovers contribute to their ecosystem?

Ringed Plovers play a significant role in their ecosystems as both predator and prey. By feeding on invertebrates, they help control populations of these small creatures. Additionally, their nesting habits contribute to the aeration and turnover of soil in their habitats. As prey, they are an important food source for higher predators, maintaining the balance of the food web.

Discussion Comments

Pygmeanie

I wonder if this bird is in any way related to the piping plover of the Northeast. Where I grew up on Long Island, we had protected areas of the local beaches, reserved as nesting areas for piping plovers.

The eggs look similar to those of the ringed plover.

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    • Ringed plovers are small wading birds that are native to the northern hemisphere.
      By: Brad Thompson
      Ringed plovers are small wading birds that are native to the northern hemisphere.
    • Ringed plovers are small birds that only grow to a size of about  8 inches from head to tail.
      By: deejaywolf
      Ringed plovers are small birds that only grow to a size of about 8 inches from head to tail.
    • Between April and July, ringed plovers will lay nests of about four brown speckled eggs.
      By: FLORIAN ANDRONACHE
      Between April and July, ringed plovers will lay nests of about four brown speckled eggs.
    • Ringed plovers can be found on the coasts and beaches of Canada and Eurasia.
      By: FLORIAN ANDRONACHE
      Ringed plovers can be found on the coasts and beaches of Canada and Eurasia.
    • Baby ringed plovers will hatch about a month after their eggs are laid.
      By: dule964
      Baby ringed plovers will hatch about a month after their eggs are laid.