Hooded Dotterel

The Hooded Plover, known scientifically as Charadrius cucullatus, is a medium-sized, stocky shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It measures between 190 to 230 mm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 230 to 440 mm. The species is characterized by its pale plumage, a striking black hood and throat, and a contrasting white collar. Its bill is red with a black tip, and it sports a red eye ring and orange legs. The underparts of this bird are white, and while males and females are similar in appearance, juveniles can be distinguished by their sandy brown head and hindneck, rather than black.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Hooded Plover, look for the black hood and throat, white collar, and red bill with a black tip. The red eye ring and orange legs are also key features. Juveniles lack the black head and hindneck, which are instead sandy brown.

Habitat

The Hooded Plover is found on ocean beaches and subcoastal lagoons, preferring areas with seaweed and dunes. It is also known to inhabit freshwater lakes and marshes, as well as coastal saline lagoons.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to southern Australia, with a non-migratory presence in coastal and subcoastal regions of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It is occasionally seen as a vagrant in Queensland.

Behaviour

The Hooded Plover is typically observed in pairs or small groups near the water. It is known for its shallow scrapes in sand or gravel above the high-water mark, which it lines with pebbles and seaweed for breeding purposes.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Hooded Plover occurs from August to March, coinciding with the Austral summer tourist season, which impacts the species due to human activities. They lay a clutch of 1-3 eggs, which are matte beige or cream with dark brown and lavender markings, particularly at the larger end. The eggs are pyriform in shape and measure 37 mm by 27 mm. Incubation takes about 30 days.

Diet and Feeding

The eastern population of Hooded Plovers consumes a variety of invertebrates, including insects, bivalves, and sandhoppers. The diet of the western population is less well-known.

Conservation status

The Hooded Plover is classified as Vulnerable, with an estimated 7,000 mature individuals remaining. The species faces threats from human disturbance, predation by animals such as silver gulls, ravens, and introduced foxes, particularly the western subspecies.