Anarhynchus collaris
The Collared Plover, *Anarhynchus collaris*, is a small, widespread shorebird of the Americas, immediately recognizable by its striking black breast band. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 in) in length and weighing 40-55 grams (1.4-1.9 oz), it sports a brown back, white underparts, a short black bill, and bright yellow legs. The distinctive, often incomplete, black collar contrasts sharply with its white throat, making it a prominent field mark. Taxonomically, it belongs to the plove...
Found primarily along coastal beaches, sandy shores, mudflats, and riverine sandbars, but also utilizes open wet grasslands and freshwater ponds, generally at low elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, flies, their larvae, and other small terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, occasionally supplemented by small crustaceans. Forages visually by running and pausing.
Collared Plovers are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and resting. They employ the classic 'run-stop-peck' foraging strategy common to plovers, visually locating small invertebrates before making a quick dash to seize them. During the breeding season, pairs are territorial, defendin...
The Collared Plover boasts an extensive Neotropical distribution, breeding and residing year-round across a vast swathe of Central and South America. Its range extends north from southern Mexico, through all of Central America and the Caribbean, and continues south through virtually every country...
Least Concern
- The Collared Plover was formerly classified in the widespread genus *Charadrius* before being reclassified into *Anarhynchus*, reflecting its unique evolutionary path among plovers. - It is one of the most widespread plover species in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico down to northern Argenti...