What am I?
A dumpy, short-legged, yet undeniably adorable coastal bird, the ringed plover is one of our most elusive yet popular critters to spot on the shores and estuaries of Essex.
Ringed Plover
Ringed Plover
Conservation Status: 🔴 Red
How to Identify Me
The ringed plover has an orange bill with a black tip and vibrant orange legs. It has a black chest band but is most easily identifiable by its black ‘bandit’ mask markings on it’s head.
How Can You Help Me?
Make sure to give them lots of space if you spot them scampering on sandy or shingly beaches as they need lots of time to search for food such as insects or small crustaceans.
Ensure to respect signage regarding beach nesting birds as ringed plovers lay their eggs in little scrapes on open beaches. It also helps to keep your ears and eyes peeled for their distress calls or alarm behaviour of feigning an injury.