Anarhynchus leschenaultii
The Greater Sand Plover, *Anarhynchus leschenaultii*, is a robust and elegant shorebird, renowned for its extensive migratory journeys across continents. Measuring approximately 22-26 cm in length with a wingspan of 55-61 cm and weighing 80-160 grams, it presents a compact build with a relatively large head and a distinctive short, stout bill. In breeding plumage, males exhibit a striking broad rufous-chestnut breast band, a black facial mask extending from the bill to behind the eye, and a p...
Primarily found in coastal and intertidal zones during non-breeding, including sandy beaches, mudflats, and estuaries, often at sea level. Breeding occurs on arid, stony steppes and semi-deserts, sometimes near saline lakes, at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, including small crabs, polychaete worms, bivalves, and insects. Forages by visually locating prey and employing a 'run-stop-peck' method, occasionally shallow probing.
Greater Sand Plovers are largely diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours, especially at low tide, and forming communal roosts at high tide. Their foraging strategy involves a characteristic 'run-stop-peck' technique, visually locating prey on the surface or probing shallowly into mud or ...
The Greater Sand Plover has an expansive yet disjunct breeding range across arid and semi-arid steppes of Central Asia, extending from Turkey eastward through the Caspian Sea region, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and western China. During the non-breeding season, these long-distance migrants disperse wid...
Least Concern
- The Greater Sand Plover is one of the largest species among the 'sand plovers', making it distinguishable from its smaller cousin, the Lesser Sand Plover. - This species undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird, traveling thousands of kilometers between its Central Asia...