Common ringed plover

The common ringed plover is a small, round-bodied bird with a distinctive black-and-white ring around its neck. It nests across northern Eurasia and even in chilly Greenland. These shorebirds are often seen darting along beaches and mudflats, pecking at tiny prey.

• Its scientific name, Charadrius hiaticula, hints at its love for rocky shores and crevices.
• Unlike many birds, it nests on open ground, relying on camouflage to protect its eggs.
• The black neck band gives it a 'collared' look, making it easy to spot.