Javan Plover

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, Malaysian Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, White-faced 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)

Featured articles:

• Bird List Revision for September 2021 – Special Edition (Revisions)
• An Indonesian Archipelago Wishlist: Birds to Look Out For (Science)
• Singapore’s first wild Black-headed Ibis (Science)

Past accepted records in our database:

A pair of Javan Plovers, with the bird behind being slightly younger. Singapore. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

The first image of the Javan Plover taken in Singapore that was shared. 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