Habitat
Breeds on the open shores of freshwater or brackish lakes and shallow pools. Sometimes by rivers, in steppe-like regions up to 1,200 m, but generally at lower elevations in the south. Outside the breeding season, it occurs along rivers and on the coast, mostly in sheltered bays, lagoons and river mouths.
Extreme southern Chile and southern Argentina. Winters north to Valdés Peninsula, south-central Argentina.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010).
Status NT
Destruction and degradation of natural grassland in Patagonia by grazing livestock and introduced herbivores probably had some impact on mainland breeding habitat, and numbers are perhaps limited by the carrying capacity of the hostile environment. Trampling of nests and chicks by grazing animals is a potential threat. Estimated popualtion is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010).
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
In winter forages in small flocks.
Food
Primarily tiny arthropods during the breeding season. Chironomid larvae apparently forming the staple food in winter.
Voice
Rather vocal. Soft dove-like whistles and other calls.
Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis) [XC48595]
by Andrew Spencer from Estancia El Galpon, lago Argentino, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina (alarm call)
Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellus socialis) [XC89243]
by id from Laguna Verde, Porvenir, XII Region, Chile (call)
BirdLife International Species Factsheet