Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Anarhynchus alexandrinus
Family: Plovers and Lapwings · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 15 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Migratory populations breed from the western Palearctic to eastern China and winter in Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Thai-Malay Peninsula, and Greater and Lesser Sundas.
Male in breeding plumage has a white nuchal collar, distinctive white forehead, black patch on midcrown, strongly rufous-washed remainder of crown and nape, broad blackish eye-stripe and black lateral breast-band. Non-breeding adult and female is greyish-brown overall with a white nuchal collar. Non-breeding adult can be separated from White-faced Plover by darker upperparts, usually darker legs (sometimes may appear pinkish like White-faced), and more extensive coloration on the lores. Non-breeding adult is also separated from Javan Plover by a suite of features (most safely identified with a combination of multiple features) including shorter, thicker breast patches, lack of a peach wash to breast patches and ear coverts, more extensive white on forehead, less prominent neck with slouched posture, larger rounder head, shorter darker legs, and a complete white nuchal collar without a peach wash to the rear.
Sandy beaches and suitable coastal habitats, including rocky coastal breakwaters.
Associates with White-faced Plovers and Tibetan Sand Plovers while wintering in Singapore.