Madagascar Plover Anarhynchus thoracicus

Small plover with a brown back, pale underparts, and a black chest band. Distinctive head pattern, with one black stripe behind the eye and another across the forehead. Rare Madagascar endemic that is found along the western and southern coast. Preferred habitat is open fields with very short grass, and adjacent coastal mudflats. Acts like a typical plover, running and plucking food from the ground. Similar to Kittlitz’s Plover, but has a chest band. Duller juvenile can still be identified by its vague breast band. Smaller and paler than Common Ringed Plover, with a more complex head pattern.