The little ringed plover is a small plover native to the Old World. It has mostly brown upperparts, a black neckband and a black mask around the eye with a noticeable yellow eyering. Its forehead, belly and the rest of the breast are white. A migratory species, it breeds in open gravel areas near freshwater, including gravel pits, islands and river edges. Its diet consists mainly of insects and worms, which it forages for in muddy areas.
Region
Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds widely from western Europe across North Africa and much of temperate Asia to Japan, and winters south into Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. It favors open, sparsely vegetated ground near freshwater, such as gravel bars, lake shores, reservoirs, and floodplains. Human-altered sites like gravel pits, quarries, and dredged spoil islands are commonly used. During migration it also uses muddy margins of wetlands and riverbanks.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small plover is easily recognized by its crisp black neckband and striking yellow eye-ring. It readily exploits man-made habitats like gravel pits and construction sites that mimic its natural riverine shingle bars. Adults perform distraction displays to lure predators away from their downy, precocial chicks. It is generally quiet, but gives a distinctive, sharp two-note call in flight.
Temperament
alert and wary
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats; agile over water and gravel bars
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs in the breeding season and defends small territories on open gravel or sand. Nest is a simple scrape lined with small stones, laid on bare ground near water. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching; adults use distraction displays to deter predators.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly gives clear, whistled calls, often a sharp two-note pee-wee or peeu heard in flight. Displays include soft trills and piping notes around the territory.
