Chestnut-banded Plover
NameChestnut-banded Plover
Common NameChestnut-banded Plover
Scientific NameCharadrius pallidus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)37
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)32
Plumage DetailsPale grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, and a prominent chestnut breast band (which can be incomplete or broken). It has a black eye-stripe extending from the bill to behind the eye, a white forehead, a short black bill, and dark grey legs.
Vocalization / CallTypically a soft, piping 'pip-pip' or 'chip-chip' call, sometimes a short, sharp 'wit' or 'twee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, found in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola, primarily along coastal and inland saline wetlands.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Pale plumage, Chestnut breast band, Black eye-stripe, Dark legs, Prefers saline habitats
Description
A small, pale plover found in southern Africa, typically foraging along the edges of saline wetlands and salt pans. It has a distinctive chestnut breast band and a black eye-stripe, often running and stopping to pick up small invertebrates.
