Little ringed plover

The little ringed plover is a charming small bird belonging to the Charadrius genus. Interestingly, the name Charadrius originates from a Late Latin word referring to a yellowish bird mentioned in the Vulgate. The species name, "dubius" means doubtful, as it was once mistakenly identified as a variant of the common ringed plover.

These birds are easily recognizable by their grey-brown backs and wings, white undersides, and distinctive black neckbands. Unlike the larger ringed plover, they have yellow legs, a unique head pattern, and a striking yellow eye-ring.

Little ringed plovers prefer open gravel areas near freshwater for breeding, spreading across the Palearctic region, including parts of Africa. Their nests are simple ground scrapes with minimal plant cover, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs. Come winter, they migrate to Africa, where they feed on insects and worms in muddy terrains.

There are three recognized subspecies of little ringed plovers, each found in different regions. To aid in the conservation of these fascinating birds, they are included in the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), which supports conservation efforts.