Black-fronted Dotterel

The black-fronted dotterel (Elseyornis melanops) is a small plover wader in the Charadriidae family.

This shorebird is easily recognizable with its distinct black face mask, forehead and v-shaped band across the chest. Dorsally it is a mottled brown colour with the wings and crown of the head the same colour. This colouration is particularly useful for camouflage against aerial predators. Orbital eye rings and the first section of the bill are red, with the latter being black at the tip. The legs are pale orange. Unlike many other wading birds, black-fronted dotterels retain the same plumage all year round. As an adult, this small bird weighs between 26-39g with a wingspan of 105-119mm and a bill length of 14-17mm.

Juveniles of this species are duller in colour with a greyish beak and lacking the black breast band and forehead.