Crab-plover: where and when to see them

The crab-plover is a striking black-and-white shorebird of the western Indian Ocean and adjacent seas. Its heavy black bill is adapted to tackling crabs, while long legs carry it across exposed tidal flats. Despite its name, it belongs to its own family rather than the typical plover family. Its unusual nesting system involves burrows in coastal sand, making breeding colonies particularly vulnerable to trampling and other disturbance.

Size

38–41 cm long

Weight

230–330 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Crab-plovers often feed and roost socially, following the tidal cycle between productive flats and safe resting places. They seize crabs and manipulate or strike larger prey before swallowing it. Breeding birds excavate burrows in dense colonies, where warm sand contributes substantially to egg incubation. Young remain dependent on adults after leaving the nest, and begging juveniles may accompany feeding groups well beyond the immediate nesting area. Courtship displays involve aerial chases and mutual preening, often leading to pair bonding before burrow excavation. Both parents share incubation duties, taking turns to maintain the egg temperature, which is supplemented by solar heat in the sand. Fledglings remain with their parents for an extended period, learning foraging techniques and often joining larger post-breeding aggregations.

• It is the only living member of the family Dromadidae.
• It nests in excavated sand burrows rather than open scrapes.
• Warm nesting sand supplies much of the heat needed by the egg.
• Adults continue feeding dependent young after they leave the burrow.

In Seychelles, October to April is a useful broad window for nonbreeding visitors, though some birds remain outside it. Egyptian Red Sea occurrence is more localized and can involve breeding areas. Tide and authorized access are critical, and colony seasons should not guide intrusive visits. In the Seychelles, large non-breeding flocks often gather on specific sand flats and lagoons during the northern winter. The Egyptian Red Sea coast, particularly around offshore islands and sheltered bays, can host significant breeding colonies during the spring and summer months. Peak movements and concentrations along these routes are strongly influenced by monsoon patterns and food availability.

The species uses tropical and subtropical tidal mudflats, sandflats, sheltered lagoons and reef-associated shores. Breeding requires suitable sandy ground for burrows, commonly on islands or isolated coasts. Nonbreeding birds can occupy accessible estuaries far from their nesting colonies. This species is primarily coastal, rarely found far from marine or estuarine environments. While widespread across the Indian Ocean, population densities are often localized to specific large tidal flats or island groups. Breeding colonies are typically located on low-lying sandy islands or isolated sandy spits, often in arid coastal regions.

Crabs are the principal prey, handled with the bird's strong, pointed bill. Other crustaceans, molluscs and small marine animals are also taken. Feeding success depends on tidal exposure and prey availability, so apparently suitable high-water beaches may serve mainly as roosts. They often wade in shallow water or run across exposed sand to pursue their prey. Crab-plovers are known to wash their food items in water before consumption, especially larger or particularly sandy crabs. Their diet can also include small fish when conditions allow, showcasing opportunistic feeding strategies.

Common name

Crab-plover

Scientific name

Dromas ardeola

Animal group

Birds

Size

38–41 cm long

Weight

230–330 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its large black crab-cracking bill, white head and body, black back and long grey legs distinguish it from oystercatchers and ordinary plovers. Juveniles are distinguished by dusky brown mottling on the back and wings, gradually acquiring adult plumage over their first year. In flight, the strong black and white contrast of their wings is a key identifying feature, making them stand out against other shorebirds. Their unique long, robust black bill is proportionally larger than any other plover, aiding in recognition even at a distance.