Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Although the threats and population trend to this species are not well known, there is no indication that the population is declining at a rate rapid enough to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is suspected to be large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
Estimating this species' population size was, and continues to be, hampered by difficulties in identification and its former conspecificity with C. alexandrinus. For example, the population size and trend estimates elucidated in Wetlands International (2017) do not separate the two taxa. Bamford et al. (2008) estimated the combined global population of C. alexandrinus alexandrinus and C. dealbatus to number 100,000 birds (then corrected to approximately 30,000 individuals of the present species) but admitted this to be little more than a 'best guess'. Using molecular techniques, Wang et al. (2019) measured the effective population size (Ne) to be much greater (150,000-520,000 individuals). However, through much of its range, and despite some pre-breeding congregations of more than 50 birds in some areas (eBird 2022), this species does appear relatively scarcer than other shorebird species. Overall, the population is therefore estimated at 25,000-250,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There are very few data regarding this species' trend. Precautionarily, the present assessment follows Bamford et al. (2008) in regarding it as unknown. eBird (2022) data from Kinmen County (a stronghold for the species between April and August) and Hainan show no trend in frequency, abundance or average count, although it is unclear how representative these areas are. However, other Charadrius in South-East Asia are declining due to disturbance, as well as the conversion and reclamation of habitat and it is plausible that, at least locally, these threats are causing losses in this species too.
The range of this species was previously poorly known because of difficulties in separation from C. alexandrinus, however in recent years citizen science data (eBird 2022) and modelling attempts (Wang et al. 2019) have confirmed it to be quite widespread. The vast majority of the breeding population occurs in coastal southern China (principally south of, and including, Fujian), where some birds remain year-round, especially in Guangdong and Hainan. In the non-breeding season, the species is more widespread in coastal areas of continental South-East Asia, with records from Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Bornean Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Singapore, and northern Sumatra, Indonesia (Bakewell and Kennerley 2008, Kennerley et al. 2008, Chandler 2009, Iqbal et al. 2010, Rheindt et al. 2011, Crossland and Sitorus 2014, Wang et al. 2019, eBird 2022). Occasionally birds (often single) remain in nominally non-breeding areas over the summer, with a pair breeding in Cambodia in 2021 and 2022 (eBird 2022, S. Mahood in litt. 2022) and breeding confirmed in some parts of Viet Nam (Yong Ding Li in litt. 2023); it is therefore possible that the breeding distribution of this species is therefore more widespread than is mapped here.
It breeds on beaches and spits. On migration and during the non-breeding season, it uses a wider range of coastal habitats including artificial areas that mimic beaches and saltpans (Bakewell and Kennerley 2008, Kennerley et al. 2008, Eaton et al. 2021, eBird 2022).
The threats to this species are unclear. Throughout its range it may be impacted, as are other Charadrius plovers, by habitat loss and disturbance. However, it may also benefit from temporary habitats created via coastal land reclamation projects, especially in the non-breeding range (Kennerley et al. 2008). In its breeding range, however, growing tourism infrastructure and disturbance are considered more likely to impact this species, especially given its predilection for breeding on beaches.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted action is known although the species does occur in many protected areas in both its breeding and non-breeding ranges.
Conservation and research actions proposed
More accurately determine the population size. Survey the breeding grounds for potential threats. Monitor population trends. Identify key sites and prevent their reclamation. Restore reclaimed wetland sites. Consider legal protection in all range states.
c. 16-17 cm. A small, round-headed, pale plover. All plumages show a white forecrown leading into a white supercillium, white throat and underparts and pale brown-grey upperparts. with clean white lores. Blunt-tipped medium-short black bill, and relatively long legs with a pinkish tint. Similar spp. Formerly included within C. alexandrinus, but the latter has black lores, more black on the crown and has more extensive black lateral breast patches and less white in the wing. C. peronii is smaller, has dark lores, a smaller bill and distinctive pale edgings to the mantle feathers.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Iqbal, M., Mahood, S., Nguyen, V., Yong, D. & van Zalinge, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-faced Plover Charadrius dealbatus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-faced-plover-charadrius-dealbatus on 27/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 27/12/2024.