Wilson's Plover
Anarhynchus wilsonia
Wilson's Plovers are stout-billed Florida shorebirds that nest on open sand and hunt fiddler crabs along beaches and tidal flats.
Wilson's Plovers breed along Florida's coast on sparsely vegetated beaches, shell flats, dredge islands, and lagoon margins. Their nests are shallow scrapes that blend almost perfectly with sand and shell.
Adults rely heavily on fiddler crabs and other shoreline invertebrates. Beach traffic, unleashed dogs, predators, and high tides threaten eggs and chicks.
Habitat:
Beaches and Dunes, Estuaries and Bays, Mangroves and Salt Marshes
Area / Range:
Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast, Florida Keys
Diet:
They eat fiddler crabs, marine worms, insects, mollusks, and other small invertebrates from sand and mud.
Behavior:
Wilson's Plovers run in short bursts, pause to watch prey, and use the powerful bill to seize crabs. Adults may perform distraction displays when people approach a nest or chick.
Day, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Spring through summer on quiet beaches, shell flats, and tidal areas. Observe from outside posted nesting zones.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
A localized Florida breeding shorebird. Coastal development, disturbance, predators, and sea-level rise reduce nesting success.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Keep well back from adults that call, limp, or circle because a camouflaged nest or chick is nearby. Keep dogs leashed and obey posted closures.
Benefits to Property:
They consume crabs and other coastal invertebrates and add wildlife-viewing value to natural shorelines.
Property Concerns:
They do not damage property. Construction, beach grooming, vehicles, and heavy foot traffic during nesting season create the conflict.
Fun Fact:
The species' unusually thick bill is specialized for capturing fiddler crabs, a major part of its Florida diet.
Wildlife Laws:
Wilson's Plovers, nests, eggs, and chicks are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Do not enter closed nesting areas, harass birds, or move marked nests.
Identification:
Look for a compact plover with a thick black bill, pale legs, brown upperparts, white underparts, and a dark breast band. Breeding males show a black forehead and face patch. The heavy bill separates it from smaller-billed plovers.
Credits:
Facts: authoritative species reference. Images: primary and secondary, Wikimedia Commons.