Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticula
Length 19cm

Small, dumpy wader associated mainly with coastal habitats. Breeds on sandy and shingle beaches around Britain and Ireland but excluded from many areas in S by human disturbance. Outside breeding season, found on estuaries, mudflats and beaches. Adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with continuous black breast-band and collar. Black and white markings on face and white throat and nape. Legs orange-yellow and bill orange with black tip. Juvenile similar but dark markings less distinct and has dull legs and dark bill. Shows white wingbar in flight at all ages. Feeds in distinctive manner, usually running along beach as if powered by clockwork and then standing still for few seconds before picking food item from sand. Frequently utters soft too-it call.