Breeding biology of the Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus in the northern part of its range in the Russian Far East

We present information on the phenology, behaviour, population size, nests and nesting habitat, dates and intervals of egg-laying, dimension and coloration of eggs, and duration of the incubation period of the Longbilled Plover Charadrius placidus in the northern part of its nesting range on the rivers of the Sikhote-Alin Mountains in the southern part of the Russian Far East. Long-billed Plovers breed along rivers on shingle islands and spits which are large enough to fulfil their needs and which are only occasionally flooded. Such sites are composed mainly of shingle with stones ranging from 30 to 60 mm, with interstices filled to a varying degree with finer pebbles and always with sand just below the top layer of gravel. However, Long-billed Plovers only occupy such areas if they are at the initial stages of succession with few herbaceous plants and small willows. The hydrological regime of rivers seems to be a main factor determining the population dynamics of the species. Natural predators of nests and chicks include Carrion Crows Corvus corone, Jungle Crows C. macrorhynchus, Common Magpies Pica pica and Raccoon Dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides. In the places where Long-billed Plovers are disturbed during the courtship displays, they do not reproduce. The outcome of this work can provide insights to effective strategies for conservation of the species.