Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on August 15th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-400, f/8, 1/1000th, ISO400, 400mm. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on September 19th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f13. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 17 - 19.5 cm; WS: 35 - 41 cm

The Ringed Plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird. It is brownish grey above and whitish below. It has a orange bill, tipped with black, orange legs and a black-and-white pattern on its head and breast. In flight it shows a broad white wing-stripe.

It is resident around British coasts. In the summer it can also be found inland.

It breeds on beaches around the coast, but is now also breeding inland in sand and gravel pits and former industrial sites.

There are about 8500 breeding pairs in Britain, and around 35000 birds over-winter here.

Its conservation status is Amber, owing to its small breeding population and habitat loss.

Sightings