Charadrius modestus M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823

Scientific Nomenclature and Size

The rufous-chested dotterel (Charadrius modestus M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823) measures 19 to 22 cm (7.5 to 8.7 in) long and weighs 71 to 94 g (2.5 to 3.3 oz).

Breeding Male Plumage

In breeding plumage, adult males have a gray face with a bright white supercilium, a gray throat, and a brown crown. Their breast is bright rufous with a black band below it; the rest of their underparts are white, and their upperparts are brown.

Breeding Female Plumage

Adult females have similar markings, but appear duller in color.

Non-breeding Adult Plumage

Non-breeding adult individuals replace the rufous and gray plumage with pale brown; their upperpart feathers have bright fringes, and their supercilium is creamy.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles look similar to non-breeding adults, but have darker brown upperparts and darker brown breast.

Core Distribution Range

The rufous-chested dotterel is distributed across the Falkland Islands, and ranges from coastal to somewhat inland areas in Argentina, Uruguay, extreme southeastern Brazil, and Chile. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in Paraguay and Peru.

Breeding Season Habitat

During the breeding season, it primarily lives in short grasslands located away from the coast, and can also be found in boggy or stony areas around inland lakes, and on coastal shingle.

Non-breeding Season Habitat

Outside of the breeding season, it inhabits inland eroded and flooded grasslands, marshes, and streams, as well as coastal mudflats, beaches, and rocky shores.