Plover, Little Ringed

Conservation status:

Common and Rare Migrant Breeder

Description:

Small, slim and long-winged plover; horizontal stance when perched. In breeding plumage similar to Ringed Plover, but breast band narrower and lacks white wing-bar in flight; note also yellow orbital ring, dark bill, white line behind black forecrown, and muddy coloured or pinkish legs. Adult non-breeding and juvenile have almost plain brown forehead with ill-defined (or absent) pale patch behind or above eye and duller orbital ring; breast band is broken or absent; additionally juvenile has yellow-buff tinge to face and throat. Distinguished from paler Kentish by head marks, leg colour and lack of wing-bar; larger Greater and Lesser Sand Plover have heavier bill, longer legs, narrow, but obvious white wing-bar, and lack white hindneck collar. Separated from all plovers by call and lack of wing-bar.