Egyptian Plover by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Aug 31, 2006

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Description

Egyptian Plover or Crocodile Bird is a localised resident in tropical sub-Saharan Africa. It breeds on sandbars in large rivers. Its two or three eggs are not incubated, but are buried in warm sand, temperature control being achieved by the adult sitting on the eggs with a water-soaked belly to cool them. If the adult leaves the nest, it smooths sand over the eggs, though if it is frightened the job may be hasty. The chicks are precocial, and can run as soon as they are hatched and feed themselves shortly afterward. Adults' behaviors in regard to them resemble their behaviors with eggs: they cool the chicks in the same way, and the chicks may drink water from their belly feathers. Also, the adults bury the chicks in the sand temporarily if danger threatens. Egyptian Plover is a striking and unmistakable species. The 19-21 cm long adult has a black crown, back, eye-mask and breast band. The rest of the head is white. The remaining upperpart plumage is blue-grey, and the underparts are orange. The longish legs are blue-grey. It gets its other name from its supposed behaviour of picking the Nile Crocodiles teeth, which provides some essential dentistry!!

Comments (27)

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Flannelman

4:49PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Great work, photo/history!!!!! thanx ;-)

Valerie-Ducom

4:59PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

fantastic shot my friend and very good color!!! Good day and hugs ;)

BorisB

5:57PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Excellent capture, really well done!

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kansas

6:55PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Wonderful photo of this interesting bird. Thanks for in info. I've never heard of the habits of this bird or even seen pictures of it either.

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nattarious

7:03PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Who said something about egyptians? who? who? :)) I don't get it Daniel, you wne to egypt! When? And why didn't you tell me since i am hald russian and half egyptian tho!! Oh well if you did, means you can go again and so we can go together maybe with Ger and Ilona ;) Nice capture tho and amazing texture and wonderful INFO.. Thank you and have a nice day/night JOE

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RodolfoCiminelli

7:40PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Excellent and opportune shot Daniel....!!!!

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erskogly

7:56PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Love how you've captured him (or her) just as he plunges his beak into the running water in search of food. Excellent work!

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Biffowitz

8:34PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Nice shot, and the background info is very informative, thanks!

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kimariehere

8:45PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

what a beautiful and interesting bird fantastic capture as well!! beautifully done!!

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iaacf

10:24PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

I have seen them on television. Never realised that it is such an interesting bird. Thanks for your info of him ant the beautiful pic.

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Zacko

11:06PM | Thu, 31 August 2006

Ive never seen one of these before. I definitly prefer the name Crocodile bird....sounds alot cooler than "plower"...plover even, lol. Awesome capture once again. It kinda looks like hes standing in a stream of oil. Have a great weekend. #:o)

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sharky_

12:59AM | Fri, 01 September 2006

Interesting bird with excellent information. Thanks.... Aloha

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gunsan

1:28AM | Fri, 01 September 2006

You show us the most fantastic and unusual creatures! Without you I had not seen all what you present to us. Wonderful shots and interresting informaton. Most of all I love your devotion for what you do!!! Hugs!

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