Ringed plovers are a group of small wading birds known for their breast bands or collars. Catching insects and other invertebrates by sight they employ a run-and-pause technique; other waders, with longer bills, prefer to feel and probe. Widely distributed throughout the world there are over 30 species of ringed plover.

Those of us in the United Kingdom will be most familiar with the little ringed plover, common ringed plover and the dotterel. Less familiar species include the Saint Helena plover and South America's puna plover.

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