Bird · GBIF taxon 2480283
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodusPiping Plovers are small, sand-colored shorebirds that pause and run in short bursts along open beaches. Adults have orange legs, a short orange-and-black bill in breeding plumage, and narrow dark markings on the forehead and breast.
shorebirdbeach nestingcamouflaged
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- marine worms
- small crustaceans
- insect larvae
Predators
- gulls
- foxes
- raccoons
ThreatsBeach development, recreation near nests, predators, storms, and shoreline change
HabitatsSparsely vegetated sand and gravel beaches, tidal flats, and lake shores
Life spanOften five years or more, with some banded birds living beyond ten years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCharadriidae
- SpeciesCharadrius melodus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Respect closures and give camouflaged birds a very wide berth.
Responsible observation
- Watch: Scan the damp sand ahead for quick runs followed by sudden pauses.
- Protect: Stay outside fenced nesting areas and keep dogs leashed where required.
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