Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
Adult piping plovers are small shorebirds of sandy ocean beaches, alkaline lakeshores, and river sandbars. They feed by running a few steps, pausing, and pecking up insects, crustaceans, marine worms, and other tiny invertebrates from the surface. Adults nest in shallow scrapes on open ground and defend eggs or chicks with alarm calls, distraction displays, and occasional close passes at intruders. Their pale back blends strongly with dry sand, making nests and resting birds difficult to notice.
- Type
- Swift
- Conservation status
- NT
Growth chain
- Piping Plover Chick
- Piping Plover Fledgling
- Piping Plover