Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Piping Plover
OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyCharadriidae
Habitatsandy beaches, tidal flats, and lagoons
Seasonwinter visitor to the Texas coast
LocationTexas
Size~7.25 in / 18 cm
Dietinsects, marine worms, and small crustaceans
ConservationNear Threatened
ISO5000

About the Piping Plover

A pale little plover the color of dry sand, so well matched to the beach that it usually vanishes until it runs. The Texas coast is critical wintering habitat for this threatened shorebird, and birds banded on northern breeding grounds turn up on our flats year after year.

Want to see a Piping Plover in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours!

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