Two-banded Plover
Charadrius falklandicus
Local Name: Beach Lark
Breeding Range: Falklands & southern
South America
Length: 17cm.
Falklands Population: ~10,000 breeding pairs
World Population: unknown
A very common wader found throughout the
Falklands on estuaries, mud-flats and sandy beaches. It is easily
distinguished from other waders by the bands around its throat and
breast which give rise to its name.
Nests are made in shallow scrapes in heath
or grassland behind the beach. Two to four eggs are laid from October
onwards, with chicks hatching after 4 weeks. Chicks leave the nest
at an early age, and are often seen scurrying along the beach accompanied
by their watchful parents.
Adults and young feed on a variety of insects
and other invertebrates which they find amongst coastal vegetation,
seaweed and rockpools.
Although strong flyers, Two-banded Plovers
prefer to run from danger whenever possible, and even young chicks
can run remarkably quickly.
Sexes are similar in appearance.
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Two-banded
Plover
Charadrius falklandicus
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Adopt and name your penguin,
and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We
will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives,
in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).
Learn
More
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The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham
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