Hooded Plover

Scientific Name: Thinornis rubricollis

Description: Only small numbers remain on the ocean beaches west of Port Phillip Heads. They feed on invertebrates taken from the sand and among seaweed stranded on the beach. They nest above the high tide line in the dune blowouts or simply on the beach itself. Three eggs from the clutch are laid in shallow depressions in the sand, often near a piece of driftwood.

The main threats they face are foxes and people with dogs, but since they nest in summer, accidental disturbance by beach goers keeps them from their nests preventing them from feeding.

Type: Bird
Where to find: Beaches
Size: 23cm