Inland Dotterel

The Inland Dotterel, Peltohyas australis, is a medium-sized plover with a wingspan of 43–47 cm and a weight of 80–90 g. Exhibiting a cryptic plumage, both sexes are similarly adorned, making them indistinguishable in the field. The bird's upperparts are a rich sandy buff, mottled with dark brown, and it boasts a unique black band across the crown that extends through the eye. The face, ear coverts, and neck are white, as is the vent. A striking black Y-shaped band extends from the hindneck down the sides of the neck across the breast to the center of the belly. The legs are pale buff, with darker feet, and the eye is dark brown. The bill is short and dark.

Identification Tips

When encountered in its typical arid habitat, the Inland Dotterel is unlikely to be confused with any other species. Look for the distinctive black band across the crown and through the eye, as well as the broad black Y-shaped band on the breast. Juveniles lack the distinct black markings of adults, and the birds exhibit a paler non-breeding plumage outside of the breeding season.

Habitat

The Inland Dotterel favors sparsely vegetated areas with low shrub cover, such as gibber plains, clay pans, and gravel flats. These habitats provide both food and shelter for the species.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to the arid interior of Australia, with a distribution mainly in the south-east and south-west regions. It is found in all mainland states within areas below the 100mm summer rainfall isohyet.

Behaviour

Inland Dotterels form loose flocks during the day, often seeking shade and remaining inactive. They disperse at dusk to forage individually, primarily hunting for insects at night. The species is known to tolerate high temperatures but will seek cover if it becomes excessively hot. When threatened, they are more likely to run than fly.

Song & Calls

The Inland Dotterel is not a frequent caller, but when it does vocalize, it emits a short, quiet "quick" or a guttural "kroot" or "krrr" as it takes flight.

Breeding

Breeding pairs are monogamous, and both parents care for the young. The nest is a shallow depression in the ground, and a typical clutch consists of three medium brown eggs with dark brown blotches. Breeding can occur at any time of year if conditions are favorable.

Similar Species

Due to its unique plumage and habitat, the Inland Dotterel has no similar species within its range.

Diet and Feeding

By day, the Inland Dotterel consumes the fleshy tips of desert shrubs, utilizing its salt glands to process the salt content of the plants. At night, it switches to an insectivorous diet, preying on spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and earwigs.

Conservation status

The Inland Dotterel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While there are no precise population estimates, it is believed to be relatively large and stable across its range. It is listed as vulnerable on the Victorian government's advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna.