White-faced Plover
NameWhite-faced Plover
Common NameWhite-faced Plover
Scientific NameCharadrius dealbatus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsFeatures white underparts and pale sandy-brown upperparts. It has a distinctive white forehead and supercilium, a dark bill, and dark legs. Breeding males may show a faint rufous wash on the crown and ear coverts, and a dark patch on the side of the breast.
Vocalization / CallTypically a soft, piping 'pip' or 'chip' call, often given in flight or when disturbed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds along the coasts of East Asia, including southeastern China, Korea, and Japan, wintering south to Southeast Asia.
Identifying Featuressmall size, pale sandy plumage, extensive white on face (forehead and supercilium), dark bill, dark legs, typical plover shape
Description
This small shorebird is characterized by its pale plumage and preference for sandy coastal habitats. It forages actively along the waterline, darting to catch small invertebrates.
