Caspian Plover
NameCaspian Plover
Common NameCaspian Plover
Scientific NameCharadrius asiaticus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)57.5
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsBreeding males display a white forehead and supercilium, a brown crown, and a prominent chestnut breast band bordered below by a narrow black band. Upperparts are sandy brown, and underparts are white. Females and non-breeding birds are duller, lacking the distinct chestnut and black breast bands, often showing a buffy-brown wash on the breast.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a sharp, clear 'chip' or 'krip', sometimes extended into a trilling 'prrrp'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia, from the Caspian Sea region eastward. It undertakes long-distance migrations to winter in eastern and southern Africa, with some individuals reaching India.
Identifying Featureschestnut breast band (breeding male), white forehead and supercilium, sandy brown upperparts, long yellowish-grey legs, short dark bill
Description
The Caspian Plover is a medium-sized migratory shorebird, notable for the striking chestnut breast band of the breeding male. It typically forages for invertebrates in open, dry habitats such as steppes and semi-deserts.
