What is the scientific name of the Kentish plover, and what family does it belong to?

The scientific name of the Kentish plover is Anarhynchus alexandrinus. It belongs to the family Charadriidae, which includes plovers and lapwings.

Describe the general physical characteristics and weight of an adult Kentish plover.

The Kentish plover is a small wader that typically weighs between 40 and 44 grams. Both males and females share pale plumage with white undersides, greyish-brown backs, dark legs, and a dark bill.

How do male and female Kentish plovers differ in their breeding plumage?

During the breeding season, male Kentish plovers exhibit more distinct markings than females. Males have a black horizontal head bar, two incomplete dark breast bands on each side of their breast, black ear coverts, and a rufous nape and crown. Females are generally paler in these areas and lack the dark markings.

What does it mean that the Kentish plover is considered sexually dimorphic?

Sexual dimorphism means that males and females of the species exhibit different physical characteristics, particularly in their plumage during the breeding season. As described, the males display more pronounced dark markings on their head and breast compared to the females.

What are the typical habitats where Kentish plovers breed?

Kentish plovers breed on the shores of saline lakes, lagoons, and coasts. They populate areas such as sand dunes, marshes, semi-arid deserts, and tundra.

What is the approximate geographical range of the Kentish plover?

The Kentish plover has a wide geographical distribution, ranging from latitudes of 10 to 55 degrees. This range covers North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe.

Are all populations of Kentish plovers migratory?

No, not all populations are migratory. Some populations, particularly those on islands, do not migrate. However, other populations are migratory, often wintering in Africa and returning to breeding grounds in Europe or Asia.

Where does the English name 'Kentish plover' originate from?

The English name 'Kentish plover' comes from the county of Kent in England, where the species was once found. However, it has not bred in Britain since 1979.

How does the Kentish plover construct its nest?

Kentish plovers are ground-nesting birds. They prepare a small scrape in the ground and use materials such as shells, pebbles, grass, and leaves to build their nests.

What is the primary diet of the Kentish plover?

Like most plovers, the Kentish plover is primarily insectivorous. Its diet consists of a wide range of arthropods and invertebrates, which vary depending on the specific environment.

Who formally described the Kentish plover, and when?

The Kentish plover was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his work, Systema Naturae, under the binomial name Charadrius alexandrinus.

What was the original binomial name given to the Kentish plover by Carl Linnaeus?

The original binomial name given by Carl Linnaeus was Charadrius alexandrinus.

Who coined the English name 'Kentish plover', and why?

The ornithologist John Latham coined the English name 'Kentish plover' in 1801. He did so because his specimens were shot near Sandwich in Kent, England.

Why was the genus of the Kentish plover changed from Charadrius to Anarhynchus?

A molecular phylogenetic study in 2022 found that the genus Charadrius was paraphyletic, meaning it did not include all descendants of its common ancestor. Consequently, the Kentish plover was moved to the genus Anarhynchus, which previously only contained the wrybill.

What is the relationship between the Kentish plover and the Snowy plover?

The North American Snowy plover was formerly considered a subspecies of the Kentish plover. However, research published in 2009 indicated they are distinct enough to be classified as separate species.

What is the current proposal regarding the subspecies *A. a. seebohmi*?

In 2023, it was proposed that the subspecies *A. a. seebohmi*, found in southern India and Sri Lanka, should be elevated to the status of a full species. The suggested English name for this proposed species is the Hanuman plover.

How many recognized subspecies of the Kentish plover are there, and what are their names?

Three subspecies of the Kentish plover are currently recognized: *A. a. alexandrinus*, *A. a. nihonensis*, and *A. a. seebohmi*.

Describe the physical differences between male and female Kentish plovers outside of the breeding season.

Outside the breeding season, the plumage differences between males and females decrease. Both sexes have pale plumages with white undersides, grey/brown backs, dark legs, and dark bills, with the males' distinct dark markings becoming less pronounced.

What are the potential advantages of longer flank feathers in male Kentish plovers?

Longer flank feathers in males are thought to be advantageous for incubation and brood care. This is because the quality of these feathers is associated with better heat insulation, which can help maintain egg and chick temperature.

What factors influence the degree of plumage ornamentation in male Kentish plovers?

Two main factors influence plumage ornamentation: the interaction between the breeding season's advancement and rainfall, and the interaction between the breeding system (polygamous vs. monogamous) and sex. Male ornaments elaborate more in high rainfall areas and are more pronounced in polygamous populations.

How does rainfall affect the plumage ornamentation of male Kentish plovers?

In regions with high rainfall, male Kentish plovers' ornaments become more elaborated as the breeding season progresses. Conversely, in regions with low rainfall, their ornaments tend to become lighter.

How does the breeding system (polygamous vs. monogamous) impact the sexual dimorphism in Kentish plovers?

In polygamous populations, sexual ornaments are more pronounced, leading to stronger sexual dimorphism compared to monogamous populations. In monogamous populations, males tend to have larger, lighter ornaments, while in polygamous populations, males have darker and smaller ornaments.

What are the preferred nesting site characteristics for Kentish plovers?

Kentish plovers prefer to nest in areas that are low in elevation, have sparse vegetation, are moist, and are located away from human activity and settlements. They often nest near water sources like alkali lake shores or wetlands.

What are the potential benefits for Kentish plover parents moving their chicks to different areas?

Moving chicks offers several benefits, including protection from predators, access to better food sources, reduced competition for food and space, and avoidance of infanticide or territory disputes. These factors can increase the chicks' survival and growth rate.

What are the costs associated with Kentish plovers moving their chicks?

Moving chicks incurs costs such as energy expenditure, which can stunt growth if it detracts from feeding. There's also an increased risk of mortality from starvation or predation while moving through open areas, and the new high-food area might already have predators.

Which sex of Kentish plover is more likely to move chicks, and why?

Larger and heavier female Kentish plovers are more likely to move chicks. This may be because their size potentially allows them to better defend their chicks from neighboring parents.

Describe the flexibility of the Kentish plover's breeding system.

The Kentish plover exhibits a flexible breeding system, with both monogamous and polygamous behaviors observed within populations. They may return to breed with the same mate in subsequent years, but mate changes and extra-pair copulations also occur.

What are extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) in the context of Kentish plovers?

EPFs refer to situations where offspring are produced by parents who are not the socially paired mates. This can involve females copulating with extra-pair males (EPP) or males copulating with extra-pair females who then lay eggs in the male's nest (quasi-parasitism).

What are the proposed evolutionary reasons for extra-pair copulations (EPCs) in Kentish plovers?

Two main theories exist: one suggests EPCs evolved to avoid the negative effects of inbreeding, as they are more common when breeding pairs are closely related. Another theory is that females seek EPCs with high-quality males to pass on beneficial genes to their sons, aligning with the 'sexy sons' hypothesis.

How long does the breeding season typically last for Kentish plovers, and how does it vary?

The breeding season for Kentish plovers lasts on average between two and five months. The specific timing varies depending on the particular population and its geographical location.

What are some of the courtship displays observed in Kentish plovers?

Courtship displays can include active gestures such as flat running, the male preparing nest scrapes, and territorial defense through fighting or running, primarily by males. The intensity and duration of these displays can differ between monogamous and polygamous populations.

How do Kentish plovers defend their territories?

Male Kentish plovers typically establish a territory and attract females through courtship displays. Both parents actively defend their nest territories from predators by chasing, fighting, or using distraction displays, which involve running away from the nest and feigning injury to lure predators away.

What happens when a Kentish plover's territory is invaded?

If a territory is invaded, the plover may invade a neighboring family's territory, often leading to fights between males, especially if broods are perceived as threatened. These conflicts can sometimes result in injury or death to chicks.

How do young Kentish plover chicks react to danger?

When threatened, young chicks typically try to find a hiding spot, crouch down, and remain motionless to avoid detection. As they grow older, they learn to run away with their parents.

In what manner do Kentish plovers typically nest?

Kentish plovers nest either solitarily or in loose semicolonial arrangements. They are ground-nesters, and the male prepares the nest scrapes during courtship.

What criteria are important for Kentish plovers when selecting a nesting ground?

Selection of the breeding ground is crucial for nest and brood survival. Nests are typically placed near water on bare earth or in sparse vegetation, often on slightly elevated sites for better predator spotting, or near small bushes for shelter.

What is the typical clutch size for Kentish plovers?

The modal clutch size, meaning the most common number of eggs, is three. However, some nests may contain only one or two eggs.

How do Kentish plovers use nest materials to protect their eggs during incubation?

During incubation, Kentish plovers use nest materials to cover and camouflage their eggs. This covering helps insulate the eggs, preventing temperature fluctuations and reducing the energetic cost of incubation for the parents.

What is the typical incubation period for Kentish plover eggs?

The incubation period for Kentish plover eggs lasts between 20 and 25 days.

How are incubation duties divided between male and female Kentish plovers?

Both male and female Kentish plovers share incubation duties. Typically, females incubate the eggs during the day, while males take over during the night.

What is 'brood desertion' in the context of Kentish plover parental care?

Brood desertion occurs when one or both parents cease caring for the chicks before they are capable of surviving independently. In Kentish plovers, this typically happens after about a week of the chicks hatching, and females desert more frequently than males.

What is the hypothesized reason for the higher rate of brood desertion by female Kentish plovers?

It is hypothesized that females desert more frequently because they gain greater reproductive success by doing so. This is potentially linked to a male-biased operational sex ratio (OSR) in many populations, meaning there are more actively breeding males than females, offering females better opportunities to remate.

How do Kentish plovers feign injury?

When a parent bird perceives its eggs or chicks are under attack, it may feign injury. This involves behaviors like calling or crawling on the ground while flapping its wings to divert the predator's attention away from the nest and towards itself.

What are the common calls made by the Kentish plover?

The Kentish plover makes an alarm call, known as a 'kittup' call, which can be heard both on the ground and in the air. They also produce a 'too-eet' call, often paired with the kittup call. Their threat note is described as a 'twanging, metallic, dwee-dwee-dweedweedwee sound'.

How do Kentish plovers forage for food, both individually and in groups?

Kentish plovers forage individually or in loose flocks of 20-30 outside the breeding season, sometimes joining larger mixed-species flocks. They forage in moist-soil areas near water, using methods like looking, stopping, running, pecking, and probing the sand. They can also catch flying insects by holding their mouths open.

What types of invertebrates typically form the diet of the Kentish plover?

The main food sources for Kentish plovers are small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. This includes insects and their larvae (like beetles and grasshoppers), molluscs, crustaceans, spiders, and marine worms.

How do environmental conditions like light, wind, and rain affect the Kentish plover's foraging?

The Kentish plover's ability to identify prey cues is influenced by light, wind, and rain. While their foraging might be restricted at night, they possess good nocturnal vision due to large eyes and enhanced retinal sensitivity.

What is the IUCN conservation status of the Kentish plover?

The Kentish plover is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. This classification is primarily due to its very large population range.

Is the global population of Kentish plovers increasing or decreasing?

The global population size of the Kentish plover is continuously declining, although the population trends for some regions are unknown.

What are the primary threats facing the Kentish plover population?

Major threats include habitat loss and disturbance caused by human activities such as tourism, pollution, urbanization, and fishing. Natural predators, often attracted to breeding grounds by abundant prey (the 'honey pot' effect), also pose a significant threat. Additionally, climate change and rising sea levels endanger their low-lying coastal nesting sites.

How does human activity, particularly involving dogs, impact nesting Kentish plovers?

Human activities like fishermen walking through breeding sites with dogs can be highly disruptive. Breeding birds react more strongly to disturbance when dogs are present, as this situation is perceived as a greater risk of predation.

Kentish Plover Wiki: The Kentish Plover: An Ecological and Behavioral Compendium

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Taxonomic Classification

Formal Designation

The Kentish plover, scientifically designated as Anarhynchus alexandrinus, is a small wader belonging to the family Charadriidae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and shared characteristics with other plovers and sandpipers.

Historical Context

Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the species' binomial name has evolved. The common English name, "Kentish plover," originates from its historical presence in Kent, England, though it no longer breeds there. Recent phylogenetic studies have led to its reclassification into the genus Anarhynchus.

Subspecies Diversity

Recognized subspecies include A. a. alexandrinus, A. a. nihonensis, and A. a. seebohmi. These subspecies exhibit variations in geographic distribution and, in the case of seebohmi, have been proposed for elevation to full species status, highlighting ongoing taxonomic research.

Morphological Description

Physical Characteristics

The Kentish plover is a diminutive shorebird, typically weighing around 40 grams. Both sexes share a pale plumage with a white underside, greyish-brown back, and a dark bill and legs. This basic coloration provides effective camouflage in its varied habitats.

Sexual Dimorphism

A notable characteristic is its sexual dimorphism, particularly during the breeding season. Males display more pronounced ornamentation, including a black horizontal head bar, incomplete breast bands, and dark ear coverts. Females are generally paler, lacking these distinct dark markings. These differences can diminish as the breeding season progresses.

Appendage Variation

Beyond plumage, males exhibit longer tarsi and flank feathers compared to females. These longer flank feathers are hypothesized to aid in incubation and brood care, potentially offering enhanced thermal insulation for the eggs and young.

Geographic Distribution

Extensive Range

The Kentish plover boasts an exceptionally wide geographical distribution, spanning latitudes from 10° to 55° North. Its range encompasses significant portions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, reflecting a remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Continental Presence

Populations are found across Europe (primarily western regions), North Africa (including island populations like Cape Verde), and extensively throughout Central Asia and the Middle East. The species is also present in parts of the Indian subcontinent and China.

Migratory Patterns

While some populations, particularly those in island archipelagos, are resident, many Kentish plovers undertake migratory journeys. These movements often involve wintering in Africa, with breeding populations migrating to areas like Turkey and Greece in the spring. European populations exhibit varied migratory behavior, ranging from short-distance movements within Europe to longer migrations into Western Africa.

Habitats and Niche

Diverse Environments

This species demonstrates significant habitat plasticity, inhabiting environments ranging from arid desert regions with extreme temperatures to tundra. Its preferred breeding grounds are typically low-lying, open, moist areas adjacent to water bodies.

Coastal and Inland Preference

Common habitats include the shores of saline lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, and coastal zones. Inland populations often utilize alkaline or saline lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Coastal populations frequent semi-desert areas, barren beaches, lagoons, and sand extraction sites.

Nesting Site Selection

Research indicates a preference for nesting sites characterized by low elevation, sparse vegetation, high moisture content, and minimal human disturbance. These factors are crucial for successful nesting and chick survival, providing both camouflage and proximity to resources.

Behavioral Ecology

Foraging Strategies

Kentish plovers are primarily visual foragers, employing a "run-and-stop" technique to capture small invertebrates. They forage individually or in small flocks outside the breeding season. Their diet consists of arthropods, mollusks, crustaceans, and insect larvae, often sourced from moist-soil areas near water.

Territorial Defense

These birds are territorial, with males actively defending nesting areas against conspecifics and predators. When threatened, they may employ distraction displays, such as feigning injury, to lure predators away from nests or chicks. Males tend to exhibit greater aggression, while females may engage in riskier defensive behaviors.

Sensory Adaptations

Foraging success is influenced by environmental cues like light, wind, and rain. While nocturnal foraging may be limited, their large eyes and enhanced retinal sensitivity suggest good vision in low-light conditions, potentially aiding in crepuscular or nocturnal activity.

Breeding Systems

Flexible Mating Strategies

The Kentish plover exhibits a notably flexible breeding system, incorporating both monogamous and polygamous behaviors within populations. Pairs often demonstrate site fidelity, returning to the same territories in subsequent years, though mate switching can occur.

Extra-Pair Copulations

Extra-pair paternity (EPP) and quasi-parasitism (QP) are observed phenomena. These behaviors are theorized to mitigate inbreeding depression and potentially enhance offspring genetic quality, aligning with the "sexy sons" hypothesis. EPCs are more prevalent when breeding pairs are closely related.

Extended Breeding Season

The breeding season duration varies by population, typically lasting two to five months. Pairs may re-nest following clutch failure, and both sexes can potentially raise multiple broods within a season, facilitated by mate changes and EPCs.

Nesting and Incubation

Nest Construction

Kentish plovers construct ground nests in shallow scrapes, often lined with materials like shells, pebbles, grass, and twigs. Nests are typically situated in bare ground or sparse vegetation, providing a degree of camouflage and shelter. The male often prepares multiple scrapes during courtship.

Clutch and Incubation

The typical clutch size consists of three eggs. During incubation, which lasts 20-25 days, parents recess periodically to forage. To protect the eggs from predation and thermal fluctuations, they actively cover them with nest material, demonstrating a capacity to regulate this behavior based on environmental conditions.

Parental Incubation Roles

Incubation is shared, with females typically incubating during the day and males during the night. This shared responsibility helps manage the energetic costs of incubation, though females may experience mass loss due to metabolic demands and water evaporation.

Parental Care Dynamics

Brood Desertion

A distinctive aspect of Kentish plover parental care is brood desertion, where one parent departs from the chicks after hatching. While both sexes can adequately care for the brood alone, females desert more frequently than males.

Reproductive Investment

The decision to desert is hypothesized to be driven by the potential for increased reproductive success. Females, often facing a male-biased operational sex ratio, may gain more by seeking new mating opportunities after deserting their current brood.

Chick Vulnerability

The remaining parent provides essential brooding and protection for the precocial young, which are vulnerable to environmental conditions and predation. Chicks typically hide and remain motionless when threatened, or flee with the parent as they mature.

Vocalizations

Communication Signals

The Kentish plover utilizes a repertoire of vocalizations for communication. The alarm call, often described as a "kittup," is heard both on the ground and in flight, sometimes paired with a "tweet" to form a "too-eet" sound.

Threat Displays

A distinct threat note is characterized as a "twanging, metallic, dwee-dwee-dweedweedwee" sound, employed when the bird perceives danger, particularly in proximity to its nest or young.

Dietary Ecology

Invertebrate Diet

The Kentish plover's diet primarily consists of small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. This includes various arthropods, such as beetles and grasshoppers, as well as mollusks, crustaceans, and marine worms, reflecting its adaptation to diverse wetland and coastal environments.

Visual Foraging

As obligate visual foragers, they actively scan their surroundings for prey. Feeding occurs predominantly at the shoreline of lakes, lagoons, and ponds, where invertebrate populations are typically concentrated. They employ a combination of searching, stopping, and pecking to capture prey.

Nocturnal Vision

While visual cues are paramount, the species possesses adaptations for low-light conditions. Large eyes and enhanced retinal sensitivity suggest a capability for effective foraging during crepuscular periods, and potentially at night, though this aspect requires further investigation.

Conservation Status

IUCN Classification

The Kentish plover is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This designation is primarily attributed to its extensive global population size and broad geographic distribution.

Population Trends

Despite the overall "Least Concern" status, specific population trends indicate a continuous decline globally, although data for some regions remain incomplete. The European population, estimated at 43,000-70,000 individuals, represents approximately 15% of the global population.

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Habitat Degradation

A primary threat is habitat loss and degradation, driven by human activities such as tourism, pollution, unsustainable resource harvesting, and urbanization. These factors directly impact nesting sites and foraging grounds.

Human Disturbance

Human presence, particularly the presence of domestic animals like dogs accompanying tourists or fishermen, poses a significant disturbance. Plovers exhibit heightened responses to disturbance when dogs are present, interpreting it as a greater predation risk.

Predation Pressure

Natural predators, often attracted to plover breeding grounds by abundant prey (termed the 'honey pot' effect), represent another challenge. Species like the brown-necked raven, white-tailed mongoose, and grey monitors can exert considerable predation pressure on eggs and chicks.

Climate Change Impact

Global warming and rising sea levels pose a future threat. Given the Kentish plover's preference for low-elevation coastal habitats, sea-level rise could inundate critical nesting areas, particularly impacting nests situated below sea level.

Conservation Efforts

Legal Protections

The Kentish plover is listed under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and Annex II of the Bern Convention, signifying its protected status and the need for conservation measures across its European range.

Habitat Preservation

Key conservation strategies focus on preserving and enhancing natural habitats. This includes establishing protected areas at breeding sites to mitigate pollution, land reclamation, and urbanization, thereby safeguarding essential nesting and foraging environments.

Managing Human Interaction

Controlling and minimizing human interaction within sensitive breeding areas is crucial. Implementing measures to manage tourist access and activities, particularly those involving domestic animals, can significantly reduce disturbance and predation risks.

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References

SzÃ©kely, T., A. ArgÃ¼elles-TicÃ³, A. KosztolÃ¡nyi and C. KÃ¼pper. 2011. Practical guide for investigating breeding ecology of Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus, Unpublished Report, University of Bath

del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World, Lynx Edicions BirdLife International, Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK

Message, S. and Taylor, D.W. 2005. Field guide to the waders of Europe, Asia and North America. London: Christopher Helm Publishers.

Meininger, P., SzÃ©kely, T., and Scott, D. 2009. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. In: Delaney, S., Scott, D. A., Dodman, T., Stroud, D. A. An atlas of wader populations in Africa and Eurasia. Wetlands International, pp 229-235

KosztolÃ¡nyi, A., Javed, S., KÃ¼pper, C., Cuthill, I., Al Shamsi, A. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2009. Breeding ecology of Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus in an extremely hot environment, Bird Study, 56:2, 244-252

Szentirmai, I. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2002. Do kentish plovers regulate the amount of their nest material? An experimental test, Behaviour, 139(6), pp. 847â859

SzÃ©kely, T., Karsai, I. and Kovazs, S. 1993. Availability of Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) prey on a Central Hungarian grassland. Ornis Hung. 3:41-48

Szekely, T. 1999. Brood desertion in Kentish plover: Sex differences in remating opportunities, Behavioral Ecology, 10(2), pp. 185â190

Kis, J. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2003. Sexually dimorphic breast-feathers in the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus. Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 49, 103-110

Wolf, B. O. and Walsberg, G. E. 2000. The role of plumage in heat transfer processes of birds. American Zoologist, 40, 575-584

Hill, G.E. 1993. Geographic variation in the carotenoid plumage pigmentation of male house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). Biol J Linn Soc 49:63â86

Vincze, O., SzÃ©kely, T., KÃ¼pper, C., AlRashidi, M., Amat, J.A. et al. 2013. Local Environment but Not Genetic Differentiation Influences Biparental Care in Ten Plover Populations. PLoS ONE 8(4

Meininger, P., SzÃ©kely, T., and Scott, D. 2009. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. In: Delaney, S., Scott, D. A., Dodman, T., Stroud, D. A. An atlas of wader populations in Africa and Eurasia. Wetlands International, pp 229-235.

KosztolÃ¡nyi, A., SzÃ©kely, T. and Cuthill, I.C. 2007. The function of habitat change during brood-rearing in the precocial Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus, acta ethologica, 10(2), pp. 73â79

SzÃ©kely, T. and Lessells, C. M. 1993. Mate change by Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus. Ornis Scand.2 4: 317-322

Carmona-Isunza, M.C., KÃ¼pper, C., Serrano-Meneses, M.A. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2015. Courtship behavior differs between monogamous and polygamous plovers, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 69(12), pp. 2035â2042

Snow, D.W. and Perrins, C.M. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic, Volume 1: Non-Passerines. Oxford University Press, Oxford

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Deeming, D.C. 2002. Importance and evolution of incubation in avian reproduction. In: Avian incubation: behaviour, environment, and evolution. Deeming, D.C., ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford, p. 1-7

KosztolÃ¡nyi, A. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2002. Using a transponder system to monitor incubation routines of snowy plovers. J. Field Ornithol. (in press)

Szentirmai, I., KosztolÃ¡nyi, A. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2001. Daily changes in body mass of incubating Kentish Plovers. Ornis Hung. 11: 27-32

Simmons, K. E. L. 1955. The significance of voice in the behaviour of the Little Ringed and Kentish plovers. Brit. Birds 48: 106-114

del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., and Sargatal, J. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions Barcelona, Spain

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Rojas de Azuaje, L.M., Tai, S. and McNei, l. R. 1993. Comparison of rod/cone ratio in three species of shorebirds having different nocturnal foraging strategies. Auk. 110:141â145

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AlRashidi, M., KosztolÃ¡nyi, A., Shobrak, M. and SzÃ©kely, T. 2011. Breeding ecology of the Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, in the Farasan islands, Saudi Arabia, Zoology in the Middle East. 53(1), pp. 15â24

Rice, R., Engel, N. 2016. Breeding ecology of Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus in Maio, Cape Verde. Unpublished Fieldwork Report, University of Bath

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kentish plover Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available data sources. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, providing an academic overview of the Kentish Plover.

This is not professional ecological or biological advice. The content presented here is based on a snapshot of information and may not encompass all nuances or the most current research findings. Always consult peer-reviewed scientific literature and expert ornithological resources for definitive information. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

The Kentish Plover

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Taxonomic Classification 🧬

🏛️ Formal Designation

📜 Historical Context

subspecies Subspecies Diversity

Morphological Description 📝

📏 Physical Characteristics

🎭 Sexual Dimorphism

📏 Appendage Variation

Geographic Distribution 🌍

🌐 Extensive Range

🗺️ Continental Presence

✈️ Migratory Patterns

Habitats and Niche 🏞️

🏡 Diverse Environments

💧 Coastal and Inland Preference

🌿 Nesting Site Selection

Behavioral Ecology 🐾

🚶 Foraging Strategies

🛡️ Territorial Defense

💡 Sensory Adaptations

Breeding Systems 🥚

❤️ Flexible Mating Strategies

🤝 Extra-Pair Copulations

⏳ Extended Breeding Season

Nesting and Incubation 🧺

🏠 Nest Construction

🥚 Clutch and Incubation

☀️ Parental Incubation Roles

Parental Care Dynamics 🤱

👨‍👧 Brood Desertion

💰 Reproductive Investment

🐣 Chick Vulnerability

Vocalizations 📣

🎶 Communication Signals

🔊 Threat Displays

Dietary Ecology 🍽️

🐜 Invertebrate Diet

👀 Visual Foraging

🌙 Nocturnal Vision

Conservation Status ⭐

✅ IUCN Classification

📉 Population Trends

Threats and Vulnerabilities ⚠️

🏗️ Habitat Degradation

🐕 Human Disturbance

🦊 Predation Pressure

🌊 Climate Change Impact

Conservation Efforts 🛠️

📜 Legal Protections

🌳 Habitat Preservation

🚶‍♂️ Managing Human Interaction

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Taxonomic Classification

Formal Designation

Historical Context

Subspecies Diversity

Morphological Description

Physical Characteristics

Sexual Dimorphism

Appendage Variation

Geographic Distribution

Extensive Range

Continental Presence

Migratory Patterns

Habitats and Niche

Diverse Environments

Coastal and Inland Preference

Nesting Site Selection

Behavioral Ecology

Foraging Strategies

Territorial Defense

Sensory Adaptations

Breeding Systems

Flexible Mating Strategies

Extra-Pair Copulations

Extended Breeding Season

Nesting and Incubation

Nest Construction

Clutch and Incubation

Parental Incubation Roles

Parental Care Dynamics

Brood Desertion

Reproductive Investment

Chick Vulnerability

Vocalizations

Communication Signals

Threat Displays

Dietary Ecology

Invertebrate Diet

Visual Foraging

Nocturnal Vision

Conservation Status

IUCN Classification

Population Trends

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Habitat Degradation

Human Disturbance

Predation Pressure

Climate Change Impact

Conservation Efforts

Legal Protections

Habitat Preservation

Managing Human Interaction

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice