Magellanic Plover

The Magellanic plover (Pluvianellus socialis) is a distinctive and rare wader inhabiting the southern extremes of South America. Previously grouped with other plovers in the Charadriidae family, recent behavioral and molecular studies have reclassified it into its own family, Pluvianellidae, due to its closer relationship with sheathbills. Resembling a turnstone, it boasts pale grey upperparts and breast, with white underparts; however, it stands out with its short red legs, black bill, and red eyes—although juveniles have yellowish legs and eyes, and scaled grey plumage. They communicate through a dovelike coo. These birds are resident but may move northward in Argentina during winter, often congregating around estuaries like those near Puerto Madryn and Península Valdes. Pairs breed near saline lakes or occasionally rivers, defending territories and sharing incubation, typically laying two large eggs but commonly only one chick thrives. Remarkably, the parents regurgitate food from their crop to feed the chicks, a feeding method unique among waders. Adult Magellanic plovers search for small invertebrates, foraging on the ground or under stones in a way similar to turnstones and puffins.