Charadrius hiaticula Linnaeus, 1758

Adult Size

Adults of this species measure 17–19.5 cm (6.7–7.7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 35–41 cm (14–16 in).

Adult Upperpart and Ventral Coloration

They have grey-brown backs and wings, a white belly, and a white breast marked with a single black neckband.

Adult Head and Bill Features

They have a brown cap, a white forehead, a black mask surrounding the eyes, and a short orange and black bill.

Adult Leg and Toe Morphology

Their legs are orange, and only the outer two toes are slightly webbed.

Distinction from Semipalmated Plover

This distinguishes them from the slightly smaller but otherwise very similar semipalmated plover, which has slight webbing on all three toes and a marginally narrower breast band; semipalmated plover was formerly included within this species.

Juvenile Appearance

Juvenile ringed plovers are duller in colour than adults, with an often incomplete grey-brown breast band, a dark bill, and dull yellowish-grey legs.

Distinction from Little Ringed Plover

This species differs from the smaller little ringed plover in leg colour, head pattern, and the absence of an obvious yellow eye-ring.

Breeding Distribution Range

The common ringed plover's breeding habitat is open ground on beaches or flats across northern Eurosiberia and Arctic northeast Canada.

Inland and Southern Breeding Range

Some individuals breed inland, and in western Europe, they nest as far south as northern France.

Breeding Habitat Characteristics

They are commonly found in both low coastal plains and cold uplands with sparse vegetation, occupying open habitats with little to no plant cover, where they nest on the ground.

General Migratory Pattern

Common ringed plovers are migratory, and winter in coastal areas as far south as Africa.

Norway Breeding Population Migration

In Norway, geolocator tracking has shown that breeding adult birds migrate to West Africa.

Resident Population Range

Many birds in Great Britain and northern France are resident year-round.

Foraging Habitats and Method

These birds forage for food on beaches, tidal flats and fields, usually by sight.

Diet and Foraging Timing

They eat insects, crustaceans, and worms, and forage during both the day and night.

Prey Detection Behavior

They sometimes use foot-trembling to reveal the location of their prey.