Magellanic Plover
A species of Plover Scientific name : Pluvianellus socialis Genus : Plover
Magellanic Plover, A species of Plover
Botanical name: Pluvianellus socialis
Genus: Plover
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Lars Petersson
Description
The Magellanic plover (Pluvianellus socialis) is a rare and unique wader found only in southernmost South America. It was long placed in with the other plovers in the family Charadriidae; however, behavioural evidence suggested they were distinct, and molecular studies confirmed this, suggesting that they are actually more closely related to the sheathbills, a uniquely Antarctic family. As such it is now placed in its own family, Pluvianellidae. This species is not a long-distance migrant, although some birds move further north in southern Argentina in winter. The species breeds inland and then moves to the coast during the winter, particularly to estuaries. One of their preferred areas during winter is in Puerto Madryn and Península Valdes, Chubut, Argentina (Jehl 1975). This species is in its structure and habits much like a turnstone, but it cannot be confused with any other wader species. Its upperparts and breast are pale grey, and the rest of the underparts are white. It has short red legs, a black bill and red eyes. In young birds, the eyes and legs are yellowish in colour, and the plumage is grey overall with scaling. The call is a dovelike coo. This species breeds near water, usually saline lakes but there are reports of nests near rivers as well. Pairs defend territories, and both parents share incubation duties. It lays two large eggs on the ground, although usually only one chick survives. One unique aspect of its behaviour and physiology is its method of feeding its chicks. Chicks are fed by regurgitating food stored in the crop, this species being the only wader to do so. Magellanic plovers feed on small invertebrates, picked from the ground, or from under pebbles, again like a turnstone. They have been observed collecting worms in the bill in a similar fashion to a puffin.
Size
22 cm
Nest Placement
Ground
Feeding Habits
Magellanic Plover primarily feeds on tiny arthropods and chironomid larvae, foraging by pecking at the surface and overturning stones and debris with its strong legs—a unique trait among waders. During winter, larvae are a staple, while it forages in small flocks post-breeding season, drinking by submerging its head.
Habitat
The magellanic Plover predominantly inhabits open shores of freshwater or brackish lakes and shallow pools within steppe-like regions during breeding season. Outside of breeding, these birds are typically found in coastal areas, particularly sheltered bays, lagoons, and river mouths, with some presence alongside rivers.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Photo By Lars Petersson
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Shorebirds Family
Magellanic plovers Genus
Plover Species
Magellanic Plover