Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris)
The Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris) is commonly found throughout the entire year, in Mexico and through Northern Argentina, and can also be seen in central Chile. There have been a few recorded in Guatemala, although there has been some uncertainty, to if they breed here, even though over protective birds and nests with eggs have been seen. They are both coastal and inland birds, and frequent beaches, wetland areas, rivers and even ponds. Adult Collared Plovers are white on their bellies, with a black band across their chests. Male Collared Plovers have white on their foreheads with chestnut coloring on their midcrown and nape. Their legs a yellow in color and in flight, plumages are dark and feature a wing bar that is white. The females look very similar to their male counterparts, except for having a brown tinge to their black feathers.
These coastal and inland birds are extremely weary, and are generally loners. Collared Plovers are rarely seen in flocks. They have a very unique way of scavenging for food, which is referred to as a run-and-pause technique. Most wader groups will use probing to find the insects and invertebrates, but the Plover prefers to keep moving, only stopping at intervals at the sight of movement. Nests are either built in the ground just above the tide line, or more
inland. Female Collared Plovers lay two to four eggs at a time that are cream in color and have brown blotches. The ales will engage in ground displays, to catch the eye of a suitable partner. Collared Plovers do not change plumage during or between the breeding seasons.
As research has shown that the number of individual Collared Plover is estimated at approximately 10 000, there is no cause for concern in regard to the conservation of the specie. Due to the minimal decline in the population of ten years, these birds will not reach the threshold of extinction soon. Conservationist are constantly monitoring the populations, but it is safe to say that these fast running birds will be seen along the shores for many years.
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