Bird : Charadrius alexandrinus ( Kentish plover - Θαλασσοσφυριχτής )

 Charadrius alexandrinus ( Kentish plover - Θαλασσοσφυριχτής )

The Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) is a small wading bird from the plover family, Charadriidae. It is commonly found along coastal regions, salt flats, and sandy beaches, where it forages for invertebrates.

Vasos Vasiliou - March - Paralimni

Identification:

• Size: About 15–17 cm in length with a wingspan of 42–45 cm.
• Plumage: Pale brown upperparts and white underparts.
• Distinctive Features:
  • Males in breeding plumage have a black band on the forehead, a dark patch behind the eyes, and sometimes a faint black breast band.
  • Females and non-breeding birds are duller, lacking the strong black markings.
  • Legs are dark grey to black, and the bill is short and dark.

Distribution & Habitat:

• Found across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with some populations migrating to Africa for winter.
• Prefers sandy shores, salt marshes, lagoons, and mudflats.

Behavior & Diet:

• Feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and worms, often seen running in short bursts and stopping to peck at prey.
• Breeding season: Usually from April to July.
• Nests on the ground, laying 2–4 camouflaged eggs in a shallow scrape.

Marios Filippou - Akrotiri

Conservation Status:

• Classified as "Near Threatened" in some regions due to habitat loss, coastal development, and human disturbance.

In Cyprus, the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) is a resident breeder and winter visitor, mainly found in coastal areas, salt lakes, and sandy beaches. It is one of the key shorebirds of the island, often seen in Larnaca Salt Lake, Akrotiri Salt Lake, Lady’s Mile Beach, and Paralimni Lake.

Kentish Plover in Cyprus – Key Facts:

• Breeding: It breeds in Cyprus, nesting on sandy beaches and salt flats, especially in protected or undisturbed areas. The breeding population is relatively small and vulnerable to human activity.
• Wintering: Some individuals stay year-round, while others migrate further south in winter.
• Diet: Feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates along the shoreline.
• Threats:
  • Habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism.
  • Human disturbance on beaches, especially from vehicles and dogs.
  • Climate change affecting coastal ecosystems.

Conservation Efforts:

• Protected areas such as Akrotiri Wetlands and Larnaca Salt Lake provide important habitats.
• Awareness campaigns promote the protection of breeding sites on beaches.