Puna Plover
NamePuna Plover
Common NamePuna Plover
Scientific NameCharadrius alticola
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)37.5
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsAdults have grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive head pattern featuring a black cap, a rufous-orange nape and hindcrown, and a white forehead. The bill is black and legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of sharp, high-pitched "peep" or "chip" notes, often given in flight or when alarmed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of southern Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina, typically at elevations above 3,500 meters.
Identifying Featuresblack cap, rufous nape, white forehead, grey-brown back, white underparts, dark bill and legs, high-altitude wetland habitat
Description
A small, distinctive plover of the high Andes, characterized by its striking head pattern. It forages for invertebrates along the shores of saline lakes and high-altitude wetlands, often seen singly or in small groups.
