Forbes's Plover
NameForbes's Plover
Common NameForbes's Plover
Scientific NameCharadrius forbesi
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)39
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsBrown upperparts and white underparts. The head features a white forehead, a black band across the crown, a broad white supercilium, and a black eye-stripe. A prominent broad black breast band extends up the sides of the neck. It has an orange-red orbital ring, a dark bill, and orange-yellow legs.
Vocalization / CallTypically gives a sharp 'pip' or 'chip' call, often heard when the bird is in flight or alarmed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeResident breeder in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon, and south to Angola.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive black and white head pattern, broad black breast band, orange-red orbital ring, orange-yellow legs, brown upperparts and white underparts
Description
A small plover characterized by its striking head pattern and broad black breast band. It typically forages in open, muddy areas, running and stopping to pick up invertebrates.
