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 mongolus
Profile last updated:
13 Oct 2021
Description
The non-breeding Lesser Sand-plover has a grey-brown crown, nape, back and breast patches. The forehead, lores, bill and upperwing are dark; ear coverts are dusky. There is prominent white plumage on the forehead, chin, throat and underparts, including the underwing. The Lesser Sand-plover is distinguished from the Greater Sand-plover by a smaller body with a more upright stance, more compact appearance and dark grey (rather than greenish) legs. 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. The brick-red breast is separated from the white throat by a narrow black line. 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 Lesser Sand-plover breeds in central and north eastern Asia, migrating further south for winter. In Australia the species is found around the entire coast but is most common in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and along the east coast of Queensland and northern NSW. Individuals are rarely recorded south of the Shoalhaven estuary, and there are few inland records.
Habitat and ecology
- Almost entirely coastal in NSW, favouring the beaches of sheltered bays, harbours and estuaries with large intertidal sandflats or mudflats; occasionally occurs on sandy beaches, coral reefs and rock platforms.
- Highly gregarious, frequently seen in flocks exceeding 100 individuals; also often seen foraging and roosting with other wader species.
- Roosts during high tide on sandy beaches, spits and rocky shores; forage individually or in scattered flocks on wet ground at low tide, usually away from the water’s edge.
- Diet includes insects, crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms.
- Prey is usually detected visually with the birds making short, quick runs, with abrupt stops to lunge at the ground or look for prey.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Hydrological changes to estuaries and similar water bodies may modify or remove important areas of suitable habitat.
- Human disturbance at roosting and foraging sites (e.g. walking, fishing, baiting, pets, boating, horses, 4WD, biking, surfing).
- 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)
- Chafer, C.J. and Brandis, C.C. (2006) Changes in the waterbird community of the Lake Illawarra estuary: 20 years of research. Wetlands (Australia) 21(2): 183-202
- 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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