Bird guideRed-capped Plover

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
HabitatIt is also found in inland wetland areas with bare ground.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to February.

Range map

Range map

3276visible hotspots
133522visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

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.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: July to March26,698 records
South Australia
Peak: October to March16,970 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July to November5,892 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to February18,584 records
Victoria
Peak: December to February35,543 records
Queensland
Peak: July to January25,244 records
Tasmania
Peak: October to February7,368 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: August1 records
© BetterBirdingAustralian bird pages, free in the app, with every feature unlocked.Privacy