Kittlitz's plover

Kittlitz's plover is a charming little shorebird found across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Delta, and Madagascar. One intriguing aspect of this bird is that males and females appear nearly identical and exhibit distinctive plumage during the breeding season.

These birds favor coastal and inland areas with sparse vegetation. They are typically monogamous at any given time, engaging in a variety of vocal communications.

Kittlitz's plovers are widespread throughout Africa, with some genetic variances between the mainland population and those in Madagascar. While they tend to be stationary, they can become nomadic or even migrate based on rainfall patterns. Their diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, and mollusks, which they forage from the ground.

Their breeding behavior is particularly captivating. Although generally monogamous, they do not form long-term pair bonds. Their courtship behavior includes the notable "scrape ceremony" where they create simple nests lined with shells and pebbles. Both parents share incubation duties, and the chicks are relatively precocious, leaving the nest soon after hatching.

In terms of conservation, Kittlitz's plover is classified as Least Concern. The species is abundant in Africa and fairly common in Madagascar. However, they do face threats such as habitat loss due to wetland degradation and potential susceptibility to avian diseases like malaria and botulism.