Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
The Lesser Sand Plover is a small wading bird that belongs to the family Charadriidae. It is found in many parts of Asia, including India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, with a brownish-gray plumage on their body, a white belly, and a relatively short neck and bill. They have relatively short legs and are adapted for running along sandy beaches and mudflats.
Lesser Sand Plovers are typically found in coastal habitats, including sandy beaches, mudflats, and salt pans. They feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small mollusks.
During breeding season, Lesser Sand Plovers build a scrape nest on sandy or gravelly areas, laying 2-3 eggs per clutch. Both parents share the duties of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Lesser Sand Plovers are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, although some populations are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and disturbance from human activity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats, including the designation of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable coastal management practices.
Overall, the Lesser Sand Plover is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many coastal ecosystems around the world.