Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) – A Detailed Study

Taxonomy and Classification

• Common Name: Little Ringed Plover
• Scientific Name: Charadrius dubius
• Family: Charadriidae
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Genus: Charadrius
• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Morphology and Identification

The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a small wading bird, easily recognizable by its distinctive markings and agile movements.

• Size: Approximately 14–16 cm in length.
• Wingspan: 42–48 cm.
• Weight: Around 25–55 grams.
• Plumage:
  • The upperparts are brownish-grey, providing effective camouflage.
  • The underparts are pure white, contrasting sharply with the upper body.
  • A prominent black collar around the neck is a key identification feature.
• Head Markings:
  • White forehead bordered with a black band.
  • Yellow orbital ring around the eyes, which is a key distinguishing feature.
  • Thin, black bill.
• Legs: Pale pinkish or yellowish in color, relatively long compared to body size.
• Call: A sharp and repetitive “peep” or “pit-pit” sound.

Habitat and Distribution

The Little Ringed Plover is widely distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia. It prefers habitats close to freshwater sources and open grounds.

• Preferred Habitat:
  • Riverbanks, lakeshores, sandbanks, and marshes.
  • Nesting sites are often on gravelly, sandy, or muddy areas near water bodies.
• Geographical Range:
  • Summer (Breeding Grounds): Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.
  • Wintering Areas: South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

Feeding Behavior and Diet

The Little Ringed Plover is an insectivorous bird that actively forages in shallow water and along mudflats.

• Diet Includes:
  • Small insects
  • Aquatic invertebrates
  • Worms
  • Crustaceans
  • Mollusks
• Feeding Strategy:
  • Uses a characteristic “run-and-pause” technique to locate and catch prey.
  • Pecks at the ground or shallow water to snatch food.

Breeding and Nesting

• Breeding Season: March to August.
• Nesting Behavior:
  • Nests on the ground, often a shallow scrape in sand or gravel.
  • Minimal nesting material is used; camouflaged to blend with surroundings.
• Eggs:
  • Clutch size: 2–4 eggs.
  • Eggs are speckled, providing natural camouflage.
• Incubation Period: Around 24–28 days, shared by both parents.
• Chicks:
  • Precocial (can move and feed soon after hatching).
  • Fledged in about 25–30 days.

Special Features and Adaptations

1. Camouflage:
   • The cryptic coloration of the bird and its eggs helps it blend with sandy and gravelly backgrounds, reducing predation.
2. Yellow Orbital Ring:
   • This bright ring around the eyes helps in identification and may play a role in visual communication.
3. Distraction Display:
   • When a predator approaches the nest, adults perform a “broken-wing” act to lure the predator away.
4. Agile Movement:
   • Quick running and abrupt stops help it locate small insects on open ground.

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Presence of Little Ringed Plover in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, is home to a wide variety of birds, including the Little Ringed Plover.

Occurrence in Sundarban

• The Little Ringed Plover is a winter visitor to the Sundarban region, migrating from its breeding grounds in Central Asia and northern India.
• It is typically seen from October to March, when it moves to tropical wetlands and coastal areas.

Preferred Habitats in Sundarban

• Mudflats and sandbanks along river channels.
• Coastal wetlands and tidal flats, where it can find small invertebrates.
• Intertidal zones where the mix of fresh and saline water supports abundant food sources.

Challenges and Conservation in Sundarban

While the Little Ringed Plover is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, certain threats in the Sundarban could impact its population:

1. Habitat Loss:
   • Coastal erosion and land-use changes affect foraging and nesting grounds.
2. Human Disturbance:
   • Boating, fishing, and tourism activities in the Sundarban can disturb feeding and resting birds.
3. Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels:
   • Alterations in tidal cycles and salinity levels may impact the food supply in the region.

Importance of Sundarban for Little Ringed Plover

• Provides rich feeding grounds during migration and wintering.
• A relatively undisturbed natural habitat in protected areas of the Sundarban National Park.
• Part of the larger migratory route connecting Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

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Conclusion

The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a fascinating small shorebird with unique adaptations for life in wetlands and sandy habitats. Its presence in the Sundarban highlights the region’s importance as a critical wintering ground for migratory shorebirds. However, conservation efforts must continue to protect mudflats, prevent human disturbances, and mitigate climate change effects to ensure the long-term survival of this species in the Sundarban and beyond.