Red-capped Plover

Scientific Name: Charadrius ruficapillus

Description: A local resident that nests along the beach, particularly on the shell middens. It is vulnerable to fox and cat predation, and disturbance by beach-goers with dogs.

It is usually seen feeding along the beach where tiny invertebrates form its diet, or in winter, sheltering among the seaweed along the shore.

Beachcast seaweed is very important for small shore birds both as protection from adverse weather and as habitat for the invertebrates on which they feed

Type: Bird
Where to find: Beaches
Size: 16cm