Scientific Name: Charadrius dealbatus
Malay Name: Rapang Pantai Cina
Chinese Name: 白脸鸻
Range:
Found from south and southeast China with some population wintering south to the coasts of mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra
Taxonomy:
Monotypic.
Size: 16 cm
Identification: Formerly considered a subspecies of Kentish Plover. Non-breeding adult resembles Kentish Plover but is bigger and has more white on forehead, shorter/narrower lateral breast-band and distinctively pinkish-toned legs. Breeding male is distinguished from breeding male Kentish Plover by the lack of black eye-stripe while breeding female resembles non-breeding adult but crown, lores, ear-coverts strongly rufous- to orange-toned.
Similar looking species: Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Malaysian Plover
Habitat: Sandy beaches and suitable coastal habitats.
Behaviour/Ecology: Have been observed wintering in Singapore and form flocks with Kentish Plovers and Lesser Sand Plovers.
Local Status: Rare migrant
Conservation Status: Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Previously sighted at Tuas, Changi and more recently at the breakwaters near Marina Barrage.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
