The Magellanic Plover is a very rare wader that is found in the southernmost region of South America. For a long time was placed in the Charadriidae family. However, their distinctness was demonstrated by behavioral evidence. The evidence for their distinctness was confirmed by molecular studies. The suggestion now was to the effect that the Magellanic Plover was very closely related to sheathbills, which are unique members of the Antarctic family.

Behavior and appearance

This species does not migrate over long distances. However, some birds finally find their way into southern Argentina in the thick of winter. These species go towards inland areas whenever they want to breed. During winter, they prefer to go to the coast especially in areas where there are many estuaries.

In terms of habits and behavior, this species is very much identical to a turnstone. What is important to emphasize is the fact they cannot be easily confused with any other species of the wader group. Its short red legs are too distinct allow for any confusion. If you think this is the only distinguishing feature, you are mistaken. Look at the red eyes and the black bill in order to know this bird better. Young birds have yellow legs and gray plumage. The plumage also has scales. Only their call resembles the dove’s coo.

Breeding

This species likes breeding near water bodies including saline lakes. A few of them prefer to make nest near rivers. They live in monogamous arrangements and it is the responsibility of the pairs to guard their nest from any intruders. Both parents share the responsibility relating to incubation. Although the Magellanic Plover lays two eggs, only one of chicks survives.

Their method of feeding their young ones is unique. Chicks are normally fed with the food that has been regurgitated inside the crop. This wader is the only wader that has this physiology and behavior of feeding their young ones. The main food for Magellanic plovers is very small inevertebrates, which are normally picked on bare ground. They are also fond of looking for these invertebrates under rocks and pebbles. To this extent, they seem to exhibit similar feeding habits just like the turnstone. They collect small warms in much the same way as a puffin.

Conservation status

The Magellanic Plover has been tagged the Near-Threatened status by conservationists. Therefore, there is need for their habitats to be conserved. This bird is only found in southernmost region of South America. Any harsh climatic conditions that take place in this region might wipe out the remaining populations in the near future. Immediate conservation measures should be taken.

The entire population of Magellanic Plover is thought to be less than 1,500 birds today. In the past, this figure was not very much higher than it is today. It is believed that livestock grazing has a negative effect on population of the Magellanic Plover population.

Although this species is not completely threatened, it has a very small breeding area or range. Adverse developments should be avoided in these breeding geographical if the threat of extinction is to be removed completely.