| Size |
Stands 7 to 8 inches tall. |
| Weight |
Weighs 2 to 3 oz. |
| Conservation Status |
|
| Diet |
The Egyptian plover is either a very brave or very stupid bird. In the wild this bird is found in close association with the Nile crocodile. The birds frequently feed within the mouth of the crocodile removing and eating meat from between the crocodile’s teeth as well as parasites such as leaches from the crocodile’s tongue. At the Zoo, the birds are not required to risk death for a meal – the birds are offered a base diet of commercial carnivore diet mixed with soaked dog food. The enrichment portion of the diet includes a variety of insects. |
| Geographic Range |
Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
McNeil Avian Center |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
This is a distinctive looking small shorebird that resides in sandy areas near riverbeds. Unlike many ground nesting shorebirds that are more cryptically colored to blend in when sitting on a nest, the Egyptian plover has very bold patterns of black, white, grey and tawny feathers. Their plumage pattern makes them easy to identify. Although sociable outside the breeding season, pairs are very territorial during breeding. Pairs will aggressively defend the nest from intruders.
Longevity
Unknown in the wild, can exceed 10 years in captivity.
Behavior
Sometimes called a “crocodile bird,” there is a story dating back to the 5th century BC of the Egyptian plover picking food from the teeth of gaping crocodiles. Although popular, this story remains unconfirmed.
Reproduction
The Egyptian plover has an unusual nesting habit where it will cover the eggs with sand whenever it leaves the nest. This may help to conceal the eggs from predators and may also help to regulate the temperature of the eggs. On hot days, the parents will sit in water to soak their feathers and use these wet feathers to keep eggs or chicks cool in the nest. The chicks leave the nest only a day after hatching but do not become independent of the parents until about 30 days of age. Both male and female incubate the eggs.