FAMILY NAME: Charadriidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Elseyornis melanops SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 16 to 18cm. (6 to 7") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Widespread across mainland Australia and in Tasmania, wherever suitable habitat exists. Not found in the drier regions of South Australia and Western Australia.
BREEDING: When conditions are right, they might breed any time during the year, but generally from August to February. Laying 2 to 3 eggs in shallow ground scrapings, which may be lined with leaves os small sticks. Nests are usually near water, but not always. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young.
GENERAL: Sometimes called the Black-fronted Plover, they are a wader and usually found around the shallow edges of bodies of freshwater. They will use sewage farms, storm drains and dams, as well as the more natural settings. When looking for small moluscs and insects, they tend to run then stop, before head bobbing. When alert, they will run away then crouch down with their back facing the threat, but still keeping an eye there.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
