Crab Plover

Dromas ardeola

The Crab Plover is a distinctive seabird with a unique appearance. It has a black-and-white plumage, long legs, and a thick, slightly curved bill. This species is known for its specialized feeding behavior, using its bill to extract and consume small crabs from coastal mudflats. Crab Plovers are highly social birds, nesting in colonies on sandy or shelly beaches. They are found in coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and are known for their long-distance migrations. The global population of Crab Plovers is relatively small and facing threats from habitat loss and disturbance, making them a species of conservation concern.

Habitat: Coastal mudflats and sandy/shelly beaches