(delhibirdpix) Crab Plovers - One of its kind

Crab Plovers (Dromas ardeola)
Place: Jamnagar
Date: Jan'2011
Camera: 400D
Lens: 100-400IS

Jamnagar is THE place in India to see these beauties. Crab Plovers are seen in large groups along the sea shore & islands. The bird is perfect example of Black & White beauty. We always tend to get attracted towards vibrant colors, like red, blue, yellow etc...but look at this bird!! The ivory (silver) color legs, white body & thick black beak & black on the back are so contrast in color!

Male & female almost look similar, except, male has heavier & longer beak. Crab Plovers have very different breeding behavior than other waders. Since these birds are gregarious and need to feed all through out the day & night, they spend time sitting on nest to incubate. So what they do? They dig a nest in sandy burrows and make use of ground warmth for incubation!! Such that they can keep the nest unattended for more than 2 days! What an adaptation!! When the chicks are hatched, they immediately show their uniqueness... they can not walk for several days, unlike other waders, and remain in the nest, while both parents feed them.

For groups not allowing attachment, please visit this link: http://www.indianaturewatch.net/displayimage.php?id=247571

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Warm Regards

Mandar Khadilkar
http://natureindia.ning.com

http://birdingdiary.blogspot.com/

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