Egyptian Plover

The Egyptian plover (Pluvianus aegyptius), often referred to as the crocodile bird, is a unique wader and the only species within its own family, Pluvianidae. This distinctive bird, around 19–21 cm in length, features a black crown, eye-mask, back, and breast band complemented by a white head and orange underparts. Its legs are a blue-grey, mirroring the color of its upper plumage. In flight, the bird displays an impressive contrast between its black and white colors along with a brilliant white flight feathers marked by a black bar. Found primarily in tropical sub-Saharan Africa, the Egyptian plover lives on sandbars within large rivers but is notably absent from modern-day Egypt. The typically tame species is found in pairs or small groups and feeds on insects, emitting a high-pitched "krrr-krrr-krrr" call. Its breeding involves unique adaptations; the eggs are buried in warm sand for incubation, and parents keep them cool with water-soaked bellies if necessary. Chicks are capable right after hatching and can feed themselves, relying on parents for cooling and protection by being temporarily buried in sand during threats. Despite ancient claims and its name, its alleged symbiotic relationship with Nile crocodiles where it cleans their teeth has never been scientifically documented.