The Javan plover is a Charadriidae species with an unclear taxonomic status. Endemic to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, it inhabits sandy shores and intertidal mudflats, where it is thought to breed year-round. Its diet mainly consists of crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. It is mostly threatened by human disturbance and coastal development in Southeast Asia, and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to coastal Indonesia and Timor-Leste, it occupies sandy beaches, intertidal mudflats, saltpans, and aquaculture ponds. It favors open, sparsely vegetated shores near the high-tide line for nesting. Outside breeding, it forages on exposed tidal flats and along lagoon margins. It can persist in disturbed coastlines where suitable open substrate remains. Nests are shallow scrapes placed above typical high tide reach.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 150 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Javan plover is a small shorebird often confused with the Kentish and Malaysian plovers, and its taxonomic status has been debated. It readily uses human-altered habitats such as saltpans and shrimp ponds for feeding and nesting. Adults perform distraction displays to lure predators away from their nest scrapes. Despite ongoing coastal development pressures, it is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Javan plover in Jakarta bay area
Javan plover on a sandy beach in South Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia
Shells of mud snails (Pirenella cingulata)
Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus) eggs, similar to Javan plover (Anarhynchus javanicus) eggs
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often in pairs or small groups; becomes territorial around nest sites. Nests are simple scrapes in sand or shingle, typically with 2–3 eggs. Both parents incubate and use distraction displays to protect precocial chicks. Breeding can occur year-round in suitable tropical conditions.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched piping call, often rendered as a thin 'peep' or 'tuip'. Alarm calls become sharper and more insistent near nests. Display calls are given in short sequences during territorial interactions.
