Red-capped plover
Community type
Habitat type
Red-capped plovers are one of the smallest examples of a highly diverse and abundant group of birds that inhabit coastal areas, beaches and mudflats, collectively known as shorebirds. Many shorebirds are migratory, travelling vast distances between summer breeding grounds and winter feeding grounds. However, the red-capped plover is one of the few resident shorebirds that live in or near Derwent estuary saltmarsh all year round. They are a commonly sighted bird at Lauderdale saltmarsh, and nest, roost and forage in the saltmarsh, along the shoreline, and on tidal flats of Ralphs Bay. Easily identified by their brightly coloured ‘cap’, this plover is often seen in breeding pairs. They walk in quick bursts, then peck around on the surface of the mud collecting small invertebrate prey. Amphipods account for the greatest percentage of Red-capped Plover prey, followed by polychaete worms, small insects, and small crabs.