Anarhynchus pecuarius
The Kittlitz's Plover, Anarhynchus pecuarius, is a charming and widespread shorebird of sub-Saharan Africa, renowned for its distinctive nest-burying behavior. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length with a wingspan of 30-34 cm and weighing 29-50 grams, it is a relatively small plover. Its plumage is generally sandy brown above, blending seamlessly with its arid and semi-arid habitats, and clean white below, often with a faint or incomplete rufous-buff breast band, particu...
Primarily found in open, often disturbed, sandy or muddy areas, typically near freshwater or saline wetlands, including coastal flats, lakeshores, and temporary pools. It is adapted to various elevations from sea level to high inland plateaus.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as beetles, flies, ants, and their larvae, as well as small crustaceans and spiders. Forages by visually locating prey on the ground, then running and quickly pecking.
Kittlitz's Plovers are typically diurnal, spending their days foraging actively and roosting in small, loose flocks or individually on open ground. Their foraging strategy is the classic 'run-stop-peck' method, characteristic of plovers, scanning for prey on the ground before a swift strike. They...
The Kittlitz's Plover is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal in the west, eastward through the Sahel and Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia), and south through East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) to Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana). While largely re...
Least Concern
- Kittlitz's Plover is famous for its unique nesting strategy: completely burying its eggs under sand or debris when leaving the nest, a behavior almost unparalleled among plovers. - This remarkable camouflage helps protect the eggs from predators and extreme temperatures, acting like a natural i...