Puna Plover

Small Andean plover, 16.5–17.5 cm in length, with a compact appearance and short neck typical of the genus. Bill short, thin, and black; legs black and slender. In breeding plumage it shows a broad white forehead extending to the throat and belly, contrasting with a black crown band and ear coverts, and chestnut tones on the rear of the head and neck. It shows a gray semicollar on the chest, sometimes accompanied by a second diffuse and incomplete band. Back grayish-brown. In flight it shows a white wing stripe. Outside the breeding season it loses much of the black and chestnut tones, becoming duller. Juvenile lacks black and chestnut, with a weakly marked facial pattern and a very faint breast band.

Distribution: Typical species of the Puna and high Andes of western South America, from central Peru south through Bolivia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. In Argentina it occurs mainly in Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan, with records in northern Mendoza and a little-known population in high-Andean sectors of Tucumán in the Cumbres Calchaquíes and Aconquija above 4,200 m a.s.l. It is mainly resident, with altitudinal movements and occasional records at lower elevations outside the breeding season.

Habitat: Inhabits high-Andean lagoons, salt flats, and edges of freshwater or brackish water bodies, as well as short grasslands and associated muddy areas. Occurs in open Puna environments between 3,000 and 5,000 m a.s.l., generally on muddy shores or partially flooded zones.

Behavior: Generally solitary or in pairs, sometimes in small dispersed groups. Discreet in behavior, usually moves by walking with frequent pauses. When disturbed it may run quickly or perform distraction displays simulating injury. Not very vocal; emits short, sharp calls or rapid sequences, especially in alarm situations.

Feeding: Feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, especially crustaceans, which it captures on muddy shores or moist soils. Forages actively, pecking at the surface or gently probing the substrate.

Breeding: Breeds mainly between September and October. Nests on the ground, hiding the nest among low vegetation or terrain irregularities. Clutch of 2 to 4 eggs. Chicks are precocial and remain concealed, relying on camouflage and adult vigilance.

Conservation status: Species not threatened at national or international level (LC). Locally it may be common in suitable habitats, although it is strongly dependent on high-Andean wetlands, which are sensitive to hydrological changes and disturbance.


Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026