AVITOPIA - Magellanic Plovers

The only species in the family of Magellanic Plovers is endemic to the southern tip of South America. The body size ranges from 17.5 cm to 19.5 cm. The birds have strong, but very short legs. Their habitat are shallow waters, during the breeding season up to the highlands, outside the breeding season near the coast. They eat small arthropods that they find on the surface or under objects. Occasionally they dig for food with their feet in the ground, a behavior that is unique among waders. The clutch consists of two eggs that are laid in a well-defended territory on the ground near the waterline. The young are provided with regurgitated food; the well-developed crop is unique among waders. The weaker of the two chicks usually dies due to starvation.