Dotterels making dotterels

I’ve been reminiscing about trips to the Red Centre and found this image I took of dotterels making dotterels.

Black-fronted Dotterels (Elseyornis melanops)
1/800, f/6.3, ISO 100

I remember watching these two circling each other before they succumbed to the urge to procreate, and made it possible (briefly) to know which one was male and which one was female. Following the deed they turned their backs on each other, it was a very comical few moments.

These tiny waders are about 17cm and weigh about 34g. They can be found across most parts of Australia and are usually seen in pairs. They feed in the same manner as other dotterels by running and pecking at small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.

Black-fronted Dotterels are striking looking birds with their red eye rings, black-tipped red bills, black face and chest band, and lovely chestnut shoulders.

If their breeding attempt was successful the female would have laid two or three eggs in a shallow scrape among the pebbles. Both parents take turns to incubate the eggs and look after the precocial young that leave the nest shortly after hatching. Although the parents don’t feed their young they show them where to forage and strive to keep them safe from predators and exposure to temperature extremes.

Happy birding

Kim

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