Three-banded Plover

The Three-banded Plover, or Charadrius tricollaris, is a small wader, measuring 18 cm in length, with a distinctive elongated profile characterized by its long wings and very long tail. This bird is easily recognized in flight by its white front and the white side of the tail and rump. The adult's upperparts are a medium brown, while the underparts are predominantly white, featuring two black breast bands separated by a white band, which are the hallmark of this species. The head boasts a striking pattern with a black crown and white supercilia extending from the white forehead to meet at the back of the neck. The face is grey, transitioning to brown on the neck, and the orbital ring is a vivid orange-red. The bill is mostly black with a rosy red base.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Three-banded Plover, look for the unique combination of the two black breast bands and the white band in between. The long wings and tail are also key features, setting it apart from most other small plovers. The thin white bar above the wings and the dark smudge over the primary coverts below are visible in flight. The Malagasy subspecies can be distinguished by a grey band between the bill and the white forehead, and grey sides of the head.

Habitat

This species is typically found along inland rivers, pools, lakes, and pans, where it frequents exposed shores.

Distribution

The Three-banded Plover is resident and generally sedentary across much of East Africa, southern Africa, and Madagascar.

Behaviour

Often seen as solitary individuals, the Three-banded Plover may also gather in small flocks. It hunts primarily by sight, searching for insects, worms, and other invertebrates.

Song & Calls

The call of the Three-banded Plover is a sharp, whistled "weeet-weet."

Breeding

Breeding involves a simple nest, which is a bare scrape on shingle. Egg laying varies by region, occurring from March to June in the tropics, but predominantly from July to October in southern Africa.

Similar Species

The Forbes's Plover is a larger and darker-plumaged species that replaces the Three-banded Plover in West Africa and the moist tropics. The Forbes's Plover can be differentiated by its brown forehead and the absence of a white wingbar.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, which the Three-banded Plover hunts by sight.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Three-banded Plover as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.