The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a small, elegant wader bird that can be spotted in the Sundarban region, primarily during migration periods. Known for its unique behaviors and distinct physical features, the Little Ringed Plover is a fascinating species in this biodiverse area. Here’s a detailed look at this bird and its presence in Sundarbans:
1. Physical Description
- Size: It measures about 15-18 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 32-35 cm.
- Coloration: The bird has a sandy-brown upper body, with a white belly and underparts. Its head is marked by a black mask around the eyes and a white stripe on the forehead, giving it a distinct look.
- Legs: The legs are pale yellow, slender, and adapted for wading.
- Eyes: Notably, it has a yellow eye-ring that stands out against the black mask, giving it a striking facial appearance.
- Beak: The beak is short and black, suitable for its feeding habits.
2. Habitat in Sundarban
- The Little Ringed Plover is often found along sandy banks, mudflats, and mangrove-lined shorelines in Sundarban, where its camouflage is most effective.
- Seasonal Movement: While it is not a permanent resident, it migrates to the Sundarban region during the winter, often observed from September to March.
- Preferred Conditions: They prefer areas with open, sparsely vegetated grounds near shallow waters, making the mudflats and sandy areas of Sundarbans an ideal habitat.
3. Behavior and Feeding
- Diet: The Little Ringed Plover primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as insects, larvae, worms, and crustaceans found in the mud and sand. They use a unique technique called “foot-trembling,” where they shake one foot rapidly to disturb prey in the substrate.
- Feeding Technique: It is known for its “run-and-stop” style of feeding. It will quickly run, stop to peck at prey, and then repeat the process, which is a distinctive behavior in the plover family.
- Social Behavior: They are usually solitary or found in pairs, but during migration, they may form small, loose flocks. In Sundarbans, sightings are more frequent as solitary birds or small groups.
4. Breeding and Nesting (Primarily outside Sundarban)
- The Little Ringed Plover doesn’t typically breed in the Sundarban but rather in gravelly riverbeds and coastal areas elsewhere.
- Nesting Site: They create a shallow scrape on gravel or sandy ground, often lined with small stones or shells to help camouflage the nest.
- Eggs: A typical clutch contains about 3-4 eggs, which are speckled and blend well with the ground.
5. Vocalization
- The Little Ringed Plover has a distinctive “peeoo” or “chuu-it” call, which it uses as a contact call and to mark territory, especially during the breeding season.
- In Sundarbans, they are often heard rather than seen due to their excellent camouflage.
6. Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern, though local populations may fluctuate depending on habitat quality.
- Threats: Habitat loss due to human activities, including development on coastlines and disturbance in breeding areas, poses threats. In the Sundarbans, potential threats include rising sea levels and habitat disruption from tourism and fishing activities.
7. Adaptations and Survival Mechanisms
- Camouflage: The bird’s coloration allows it to blend into sandy or gravelly environments, helping it evade predators.
- Seasonal Migration: Adapted for migratory behavior, they move between breeding and wintering grounds, using locations like Sundarban for temporary stopovers.
- Efficient Foraging Technique: Their “foot-trembling” behavior allows them to locate and capture prey effectively in muddy or sandy substrates.
8. Observation Tips in Sundarban
- Best Time for Sighting: Winter months (September to March) offer the highest chances of spotting this bird.
- Locations: Mangrove edges, sandy riverbanks, and mudflats are prime areas to observe these birds. Sightings are often reported around the riverbanks near the open waters.
- Behavioral Cues: Look for small birds with quick, jerky movements on the ground, often near the water’s edge. The distinctive yellow eye-ring and rapid feeding movement are key identifying traits.
9. Role in the Sundarbans Ecosystem
- The Little Ringed Plover contributes to the Sundarbans ecosystem by controlling insect and small invertebrate populations. Their migratory presence also reflects the health of the wetland ecosystems, as they rely on intact habitats for feeding and resting during migration.
The Little Ringed Plover is a subtle but significant part of the Sundarbans’ avifauna. Its presence underscores the critical role of the Sundarbans as a migratory stopover for a wide variety of bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.