The Magellanic plover is a rare wader endemic to southernmost South America.
Region
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego
Typical Environment
Breeds around inland saline and brackish lakes, riverine shingle bars, and open, sparsely vegetated shorelines in southern Argentina and Chile, including Tierra del Fuego. Outside the breeding season it frequents sheltered coastal mudflats, estuaries, and tidal lagoons. It favors pebbly or sandy margins with minimal vegetation for unobstructed foraging and visibility. Nests are simple ground scrapes close to water, and water-level stability strongly influences site selection.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Magellanic plover is the sole member of its family (Pluvianellidae), making it evolutionarily distinct among waders. Unusually for shorebirds, parents feed chicks with regurgitated food. It has striking red legs and eyes and often performs foot-trembling to stir up prey along shorelines.
Temperament
wary and territorial during breeding, more social in winter
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; strong low flier over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in isolated pairs on open shores, defending small territories near suitable foraging patches. The nest is a shallow scrape with 1–2 eggs, and both adults share incubation and chick care. Notably, adults feed chicks by regurgitation, a rare strategy among waders. In the non-breeding season it may gather in small loose groups at productive tidal flats.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, piping whistles and soft trills, often given in flight or during territorial disputes. Calls carry over open shorelines and become more frequent during breeding displays.
Plumage
Pale grey upperparts with clean white underparts, contrasting black flight feathers and a bold black terminal band on the tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, and other benthic organisms. It picks and probes along wet margins and uses foot-trembling to expose prey in soft substrates. Foraging is usually methodical, with quick dashes between pecks. Adults can store and later regurgitate food to feed chicks.
Preferred Environment
Shallow lake edges, brackish lagoons, and tidal flats with firm mud, sand, or pebbles. Prefers open shorelines with little vegetation and gentle slopes that allow easy access to invertebrate-rich zones.
