A round-faced, neat, starling-sized shorebird, clean white beneath; adults have crisp black and white head patterns and brightly coloured bill and legs; pleasant, fluty call distinctive.

Behaviour

The Ringed Plover is often to be seen on a beach of sand, shingle, or mud, running nimbly for a few steps, then stopping – taut, alert – looking around or searching for prey. In summer, pairs are widely spaced along the beaches, or around flooded gravel pits inland. In autumn and winter they join together in flocks, gathering at high tide in their hundreds. It feeds mainly on tiny beach crustaceans and insects picked from the ground.

Size

Length: 18-20cm
Wingspan: 52cm
Weight: 64g
Average lifespan: 5 years

Status

Ringed Plover is on the UK Red list for conservation status

Distribution

A common resident right around the coast

When to see

January to December

Facts

Ringed plovers that nest as far away as Greenland and Canada fly through the UK on migration.