Identification
Relatively small plain plover, found from Java east through the Lesser Sundas. Brown above and white below, with a neat white collar, forehead, and eyebrow. Brown shoulder spur sometimes forms a complete thin band across the chest. Breeding adults have orange tinging behind the eye and around the collar. Juvenile is similar to non-breeding adult, but has pale-fringed upper body feathers. Very similar to Kentish Plover, but note Javan’s warm brown patch behind ears, lack of orange on the crown in breeding plumage, and paler legs. Malaysian Plover is also similar, but always has white fringes on brown upper body feathers, and warm tones on the head. A coastal species, found on beaches, mudflats, estuaries, fishponds, and wet fields. Gives soft peeps and a questioning “week?”