A rare occurrence in Coimbatore, an urban tank, saw the unexpected arrival of a Greater Sand-Plover, Charadrius leschenaultii, typically found along seashores. Known for its impressive long-distance migrations, this medium-sized plover sports a distinctive appearance with a hefty bill and striking breeding adults featuring a dark mask, orangish chest, neck, and forehead. In contrast, non-breeding and immature birds are sandy brown above and white below, boasting a white throat and “eyebrows.” Unlike some Lesser Sand-Plovers, the Greater Sand-Plover never exhibits a black boundary around the throat. It breeds in high-elevation, arid, open habitats and winters along coastal mudflats and estuaries, favoring a diet of beetles, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and their larvae. Its habitat of choice comprises mudflats and sandy shores, and it often associates with other shorebirds, particularly Lesser Sand Plovers. The Greater Sand-Plover holds a conservation status of “Least Concern” according to the IUCN.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Charadrius leschenaultii: Charadrius leschenaultii, commonly known as the Greater Sand-Plover, is a medium-sized bird renowned for its long-distance migratory patterns. It exhibits distinctive breeding and non-breeding plumage, with breeding adults featuring an orangish chest and striking facial markings.
- Mudflats: Mudflats are coastal ecosystems characterized by the accumulation of sediment and organic matter. They provide vital habitats for various bird species, including plovers like the Greater Sand-Plover, offering abundant food sources.
- IUCN: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that assesses and categorizes the conservation status of species worldwide. The Greater Sand-Plover is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, indicating a relatively stable population.
- Estuaries: Estuaries are transitional zones where rivers meet the sea. These habitats are critical for many bird species, as they offer a mix of fresh and saltwater environments, rich in food resources.
- Migration: Migration refers to the seasonal movement of animals, including birds, from one region to another in search of better feeding grounds or breeding sites. The Greater Sand-Plover is known for its impressive long-distance migrations, traveling between breeding and wintering areas.