Kentish Plover

Overview

Kentish Plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus) is a species of Plovers (Charadriidae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. A tiny pale plover with incomplete breast bands, running on beaches and salt flats; breeds in scrapes on open ground; males and females share incubation.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Anarhynchus; binomial: Anarhynchus alexandrinus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 15-17cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic, Africa and the Oriental Region. Non-breeding range: to Sahel of wc to ec Africa through e China, Indonesian Arch. and Philippines.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Kentish Plover is specifically distinct from Snowy Plover, and more closely related to the White-fronted Plover (Küpper et al. 2009; NACC 2010-A-1).