Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Charadrius leschenaultii
Profile last updated:
13 Oct 2021
Description
The non-breeding Greater Sand-plover (i.e. as expected in Australia) has a grey-brown crown, nape, back and breast patches. The lores, bill and upperwing are dark, with dusky ear-coverts. There is prominent white plumage on the forehead, chin, throat and underparts, including the underwing. The legs and feet are greenish-grey; this helps distinguish it from the very similar Lesser Sand-plover, which has dark grey legs. Birds have a hunched, horizontal stance when relaxed, and a more upright extended stance when alert. When breeding in the Northern Hemisphere, the plumage on the breast, crown and nape changes to a dull brick-red and the ear coverts become black. Elements of this plumage may be visible in some Australian birds just after arrival in spring or prior to departure in autumn, and in some overwintering birds.
Distribution
The Greater Sand-plover breeds in central Asia from Armenia to Mongolia, moving further south for winter. In Australia the species is commonly recorded in parties of 10-20 on the west coast, with the far northwest being the stronghold of the population. The species is apparently rare on the east coast, usually found singly. In NSW, the species has been recorded between the northern rivers and the Illawarra, with most records coming from the Clarence and Richmond estuaries.
Habitat and ecology
- Almost entirely restricted to coastal areas in NSW, occurring mainly on sheltered sandy, shelly or muddy beaches or estuaries with large intertidal mudflats or sandbanks.
- Roosts during high tide on sandy beaches and rocky shores; begin foraging activity on wet ground at low tide, usually away from the edge of the water; individuals may forage and roost with other waders.
- Diet includes insects, crustaceans, polychaete worms and molluscs.
- Prey is detected visually by running a short distance, stopping to look, then running to collect the prey.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Human disturbance at roosting and foraging sites (e.g. walking, fishing, baiting, pets, boating, horses, 4WD, biking, surfing).
- Hydrological changes to estuaries and similar water bodies may modify or remove important areas of suitable habitat.
- Mangrove incursion into saltmarsh habitat.
- Habitat loss due to development.
- Weed invasion of key habitat.
- Industrial development e.g. major port expansions and other transport related developments.
- Groundwater pollution impacting foraging habitat and resources.
- Habitat loss from erosion, climate change inundation and sea-level rise.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Raise visitor awareness about the presence of this and other threatened shorebird species; provide information on how their actions will affect the species' survival.
- Manage estuaries and the surrounding landscape to ensure natural hydrological regimes are maintained.
- Protect and maintain known or potential habitats, including the implementation of protection zones around known habitat sites and recent records.
Information sources
- Bamford, M., Watkins, D., Bancroft, W., Tischler, G. and Wahl, J. (2008) Migratory shorebirds of the East Asian - Australasian flyway: population estimates and internationally important sites. (Wetlands International - Oceania, Canberra)
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
- Gosbell, K. and Clemens, R. (2006) Population Monitoring in Australia: Some insights after 25 years and future directions. Stilt 50: 162-175
- Hayman, P., Marchant, J. and Prater, T. (1986) Shorebirds. Helm Identification Guides. (Christopher Helm, London)
- Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
- Minton, C., Wahl, J., Gibbs, H., Jessop, R., Hassell, C. and Boyle, A. (2011) Recoveries and flag sightings of waders which spend the non-breeding season in Australia. Stilt 59: 17-43
- Pringle, J.D. (1987) The Shorebirds of Australia. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney)
- Smith, P. (1991) The Biology and Management of Waders in NSW. Species Management Report Number 9. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville)
- Watkins, D. (1993) A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia. RAOU Report No. 90. (Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne)
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