Pluvianus aegyptius
Egyptian Plover
A distinctive, boldly patterned wader — the sole member of its family — with grey, black, white and orange-buff plumage and a black breast band. Despite its name it no longer occurs in Egypt; its range runs across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and The Gambia east to Ethiopia. In The Gambia it's found along sandy river margins and gravel bars of the River Gambia.
Identification
Unmistakable in the region: no other Gambian shorebird combines the pale blue-grey crown/back, black eye-mask and breast band, and warm buff underparts.
Want to see the Egyptian Plover?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A fully guided private birding tour combining the best of coastal and inland Gambia with the forests, wetlands and wildlife-rich landscapes of Eastern Senegal, including Niokolo-Koba National Park. Designed for serious birders seeking Gambian specialities, Sahelian species, woodland birds and waterbirds, at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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