Angola (B) (NB), Botswana (B) (NB), Kenya (B) (NB), Mozambique (B) (NB), Namibia (B) (NB), South Africa (B) (NB), Tanzania [United Republic of] (B) (NB), Zimbabwe (B) (NB).
Vagrant to Zambia (B) (NB).
Population
Estimated population is 16,000 - 17,500 (2010) and stable.
Status NT
Pollution threatens to degrade habitat. Disturbance from human activity is also a threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Usually in pairs or small groups, particularly during the breeding season when pairs defend territories. Roost communally in the non-breeding season, occasionally with other plovers.
Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius pallidus) [XC28681]
by Peter Boesman from De Mond, South Africa (call)
Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius pallidus) [XC28642]
by Charles Hesse from Velddrif, South Africa (call)
Nest
A scrape in an area of calcareous soil, dry mud or stony ground, approximately 5cm in diameter and 1cm in depth, always positioned within 50m of the water's edge.
Subspecies
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
pallidus Strickland, 1852 - Southern Africa in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
venustus Fischer, GA & Reichenow, 1884 - Rift Valley of East Africa in Kenya and Tanzania.
Similar Species
Mongolian Plover (Charadrius mongolus) and Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) show extensive brick red across the breast in breeding plumage, but both are larger and have a black mask and forehead.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet