Thinornis dubius, commonly known as the Hooded Plover, is a species of bird that belongs to the Charadriidae family. This small shorebird is distinguished by its striking appearance and habitat preferences. Unfortunately, this species does not have a widely recognized local name in the Comunidad Valenciana due to its limited distribution primarily in Australia.

Features and Identification:

• Appearance: The Hooded Plover typically exhibits a white belly and face contrasted by a black hood, with greyish to brownish upperparts.
• Size: It measures about 19 to 23 centimeters in length, making it a medium-sized plover.
• Bill and Legs: It has a short orange-red bill with a black tip and orange-red legs, contributing to its distinctive look.

Habitat:

• The Hooded Plover is typically found on sandy beaches and coastlines where it enjoys the open space and access to food resources such as small invertebrates.
• It is known for being sensitive to disturbances in its natural habitat, which can affect its breeding success.

Behaviors and Ecology:

• This species is well-adapted to coastal environments and displays unique foraging techniques.
• The Hooded Plover is often seen running along the beach, stopping frequently to peck at the sand for small prey.
• They are known for nesting directly on the sand, where they create shallow scrapes to lay their eggs.

Conservation Status:

• The Hooded Plover is considered vulnerable, primarily due to habitat disturbances, predation, and human activities.
• Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and minimizing human impacts during the breeding season.

While the Hooded Plover might not be found in the Comunidad Valenciana, understanding and appreciating such unique species enriches our global knowledge of avian diversity and the importance of conservation across different regions.