Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Anarhynchus javanicus
Family: Plovers and Lapwings · Status: Very rare resident · Size: 15 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds in Java and the Lesser Sundas. A breeding record at Pulau Tekong, Singapore in June 2021 is the furthest known range extent, suggesting ongoing range expansion.
Small greyish-brown plover with a white nuchal collar; most difficult to separate from non-breeding Kentish Plover. Separated from non-breeding Kentish Plover by a suite of features (most safely identified with a combination of multiple features) including longer narrower breast patches, peach wash to breast patches and ear coverts, less extensive white on forehead, more prominent neck with upright posture, smaller oval-shaped head, longer pinkish legs, and peach wash to the rear of the nuchal collar. Males in breeding plumage have a brown crown with a black forehead patch.
Mudflats, sandflats, and coastal wetlands.
Possibly undergoing range expansion; recently recorded in southern Sumatra, southern Sulawesi, and Singapore.