Little Ringed Plover vs Long-billed Plover

In short

The Little Ringed Plover and Long-billed Plover are small, similar-looking shorebirds, but can be distinguished by bill shape and leg color. The Little Ringed Plover has a shorter, more delicate bill and yellowish legs, while the Long-billed Plover features a longer, more robust bill and pinkish legs.

Identification tips

1. Look for the bill shape: Little Ringed Plover has a shorter, finer bill, while the Long-billed Plover has a longer, more robust bill. 2. Check leg color: Little Ringed Plover has yellowish legs, contrasting with the pinkish legs of the Long-billed Plover. 3. Observe the supercilium: Little Ringed Plover often shows a more pronounced white supercilium. 4. Consider the habitat: Little Ringed Plover is more likely in open, sandy areas near freshwater, whereas Long-billed Plover prefers riverbanks.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Long-billed Plover may appear slightly larger due to its longer bill.

Plumage

Both species have similar plumage with brown upperparts and white underparts. However, the Little Ringed Plover typically shows a more pronounced white supercilium and a black band across the forehead, while the Long-billed Plover's markings may appear less distinct.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar foraging behaviors, often seen running and stopping on mudflats or sandy shores.

Habitat

The Little Ringed Plover is more likely to be found in open, sandy or gravelly habitats near freshwater, while the Long-billed Plover prefers riverbanks and shingle beds.

Voice

Vocalizations are not distinctly different enough to reliably separate these species in the field.