Australian wader ID help

[Gareth Rapley]

I saw this bird on a beach near Darwin. I think it is a Sand Plover, but can't pick between Greater and Lesser. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jan]

Hi Gareth,

You wont want to see this. I can't tell either......
First I thought Large Sand Dott/Plover cos of long yellowish legs, lack of dark eye patch.
Then Mongolian cos of short thick bill, steep forehead, upright posture.
But I'm hopeless at these guys. Where is Sav??

[Ian Southey]

Mongolian Dotterel aka Lesser Sand Plover. The blunt ended bill is the clincher for me. Also it seems to have a big head.

Ian

[sav]

Yep, I'm with Ian on this one. The bill shape is not right for Greater SP, and the legs are not long enough. Greater looks all out of proportion and awkward. This looks neat and well-proportioned so, for me, a Lesser (or Mongolian) Sand Plover.

[Jan]

Thanks for replies,
Jan