Javan Plover

This species is defined as a rarity. Please submit your records of this species via our record submission page.

Scientific Name: Charadrius javanicus
Malay Name: Rapang Pantai Jawa
Chinese Name: 爪哇鸻

Range:
Breeds from Timor to the southern coast of Sumatra and western coast of Sulawesi. A single breeding record in Pulau Tekong of Singapore in June 2021 is the furthest known range as of 2021.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 15 cm

Identification:
From the similar looking common migrant, Kentish Plover, by warm buff ear-coverts, relatively heavier bill and longer legs. White-faced Plover will lack distinct facial markings, while Malaysian Plover has more mottled looking upperparts.

Similar looking species: Kentish Plover, White-faced Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Malaysian Plover

Habitat: Mudflats, sandflats, and coastal wetlands.

Behaviour/Ecology: Found along the coast as with many other plovers. Seems to be experiencing a rapid range expansion with recent sightings at previously undetected sites such as southern Sumatra, the western coast of Sulawesi and Singapore.

Local Status: Resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2021)

Past accepted records in our database:

Past records, bar chart (see more bar charts):

Photos:

The first image of the Javan Plover taken in Singapore that was shared. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong
A pair of Javan Plovers, with the bird behind being slightly younger. Singapore. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong
The crown scaling and white fringes to the wing coverts is indicative that this bird – still too young to undertake post-breeding dispersal – was likely born in Singapore. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Javan Plover)

References:
BirdLife International. (2021). Charadrius javanicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T22693839A185618684.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021

Eaton, J. A., van Balen, S., Brickle, N. W., & Rheindt, F. E. (2021). Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago: Greater Sundas and Wallacea (Second Edition). Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.