/
Small energetic plover with a fine bill, white underparts, and pale gray back.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyPlovers and Lapwings
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to February.
Range map
Range map
3273visible hotspots
133362visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Lacks breast band. Adult has an obvious rusty-red cap, whereas juvenile has varying reddish tinges on the back of the head. Common around inland lakes as well as at the coast.
Behavior
Occurs beside a wide variety of saline wetlands where it moves quickly as it forages along the ground.
Gallery