Red-capped Plover.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Red-capped Plover at nest.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Red-capped Plover.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Charadrius ruficapillus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Red-capped Plover
Scientific name: Charadrius ruficapillus
Family: Charadriidae
Order: Charadriiformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Shore birds and waders
What does it look like?
Description
The adult male Red-capped Plover has a bright reddish chestnut crown (centre of crown can be grey brown) and nape, and grey brown mantle. There is a black incomplete band running down from the chestnut nape to the sides of the breast and a black line from the bill through and past the eye. The legs and short fine bill are black. In flight there is a clear white wing bar and white outer tail.The female is duller in colour, missing the dark breast patches. Young birds are similar but paler than the adults. Other names for this species are Red-capped Dotterel, Red-necked Dotterel and Sand Lark.
Similar species
The Red- capped Plover is similar to the non-breeding Lesser Sand (Mongolian) Plover, C. mongolus, the Kentish Plover, C. alexandrinus, and the non-breeding and juvenile Double-banded Plover, C. bicinctus.The Red- capped Plover is small, has light upperparts and white underneath and the red cap of the male is diagnostic. Its short rear end gives it a compact shape and it often stands tall, with long legs.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Red-capped Plover is widespread throughout Australia.
Habitat
The Red-capped Plover is found in wetlands, especially in arid areas, and prefers saline and brackish waters.Seasonal movements
The Red-capped Plover is resident. Movements are poorly known, but it may move between the coast and inland wetlands.What does it do?
Feeding
The Red-capped Plover may be seen foraging for molluscs, small crustaceans and some vegetation, on mudflats, sandy beaches and salt-marsh.
Breeding
The nest site of the Red-capped Plover is a shallow scrape on a beach or stony area, nearly always close to water. Sometimes the nest is protected by a small plant or some rubbish. The eggs are usually well camouflaged.Living with us
Living with humans
The Red-capped Plover is secure in Australia.The nest site location can be varied, but those built in sand and pebbles are vulnerable to damage by fisherman and off-road vehicles.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. 2: (Raptors To Lapwings). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Pringle, J.D. 1987. The Shorebirds of Australia. Angus and Robertson and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.