The Saint Helena plover, locally known as the wirebird due to its thin legs, is a small wader endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the mid-Atlantic. The bird is similar in appearance to Kittlitz's plover and the Madagascar plover, but a little larger and an absence of chamois coloring. It is the national bird of St Helena and has been depicted on the country's coins. Populations in general have been declining. Threats include predation by cats, the introduction of the common myna, deforestation, off-road vehicle use, the Saint Helena Airport and a projected windfarm. In 2016, the population had recovered to about 560 mature individuals, from a previous minimum of less than 200 in 2006; consequently, the species was downlisted to Vulnerable from its previous assessment of Critically Endangered.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean (Saint Helena Island)
Typical Environment
Confined to open habitats across Saint Helena, particularly arid or semi-arid plains, short turf, and sparsely vegetated volcanic flats. It favors areas with very low vegetation such as grazed pasture, coastal heaths, and cinder or sand flats where visibility is high. It avoids dense shrubland and forests. Nests are shallow scrapes on bare or stony ground, often with minimal cover. Some birds use disturbed ground such as tracks and airfield margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Wirebird for its very thin, dark legs, this small plover is the national bird of Saint Helena and appears on local coins. It nests on open ground, often in sparsely vegetated plains and short-grazed pasture. After a severe decline in the early 2000s, conservation actions helped the population rebound, leading to a downlisting to Vulnerable.
The wirebird's nest and egg
Temperament
alert and wary, strongly territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, forming loose groups in non-breeding periods where habitat is suitable. Nests are simple ground scrapes; both parents typically share incubation and chick care. Breeding can occur in multiple attempts if early nests fail.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a series of high, thin piping whistles, often given in rapid sequences during alarm or display. Contact calls are short, sharp peeps; display flights include clearer, more insistent piping.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with subtle darker mottling and clean white underparts; often a diffuse dusky wash on the breast. A pale supercilium contrasts with a darker loral/ear patch. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitted, giving a neat, compact look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, including beetles, ants, termites, fly larvae, and small worms; it may also take small mollusks and other arthropods. Forages by sight, running and pausing to pick prey from the surface or just below it. Diet composition shifts with rainfall, which influences invertebrate availability.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground with short turf, cinder flats, and lightly grazed pasture provide ideal foraging. Frequently uses disturbed substrates such as track edges, airfield verges, and construction spoil where prey is exposed. Avoids dense vegetation where visibility and maneuverability are reduced.
