FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The Egyptian plover (Pluvianus Aegyptius) is also called the crocodile bird. This species belongs to the family pluvianidae and genus pluvianus. They are not only the sole members of the genus pluvianus but the sole members of their family Pluvianidae. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa. These birds are often misjudged to be a trochilus. They have a cleaning symbiotic relationship with the crocodiles where they fly in the crocodiles mouths and clean crocodiles teeth. That is why these birds are said to be very courageous. Egyptian Plovers have a unique way of greeting each other by raising their wings.
Here are some of the most fascinating facts about the Egyptian plover bird for your perusal. Afterwards, do read our other articles on black bellied plover facts and mountain plover facts as well.
The Egyptian plover, pluvianus aegyptius, is a bird. It is a small sized bird with striking colors.
Egyptian plover, Pluvianus aegyptius, belongs to the class Aves. This crocodile bird has a family and genus solely dedicated to them.
There are 15,000-57,000 Egyptian plover birds in the world. Their population trend has been decreasing for the crocodile bird.
The Egyptian plover lives in sub-saharan africa. This crocodile bird species is found in wetlands such as rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.
The Egyptian plover's habitat is based near a water source. The crocodile bird is found near sandbars in large rivers. They prefer lowland rivers. They settle near wetlands such as lakes and rivers. This crocodile bird is also found settling near human settlements.
Egyptian plovers live in pairs with their own species. Sometimes these crocodile birds are seen forming a small group. This bird can be normally seen cleaning the food bits from inside the mouth of the crocodile.
The lifespan of the Egyptian plover of family Pluvianidae is estimated to be around five to six years.
Egyptian Plover breeds on sandbars in large rivers. These birds do not build a nest. Their eggs are buried in the warm sand. The crocodile bird smooths out this warm sand over the eggs when they fly away in search of food. They lay two to three eggs in a clutch that are buried in warm sand. The Egyptian Plover babies are able to run as soon as they hatch from their eggs.
The conservation status of the Egyptian Plover is least concern. But their population has decreased in the past 40 years.
The Egyptian plover is a colorful species. This bird has gray-blue upperparts and orange underparts. The back, breast band, eye mask, and crown of crocodile birds are black in color. The remaining parts are white colored. Their legs have the same color as their upperparts
The Egyptian plover of the family Pluvianidae is very cute. Their colorful bodies are a beautiful sight.
The Egyptian plover uses sounds for communication. This bird has a high pitched sound. One of the vocals of the crocodile bird sounds like a 'krr-krr-krr'.
Egyptian Plover is a small to medium sized bird. It has a length of 7.4-8.2 in (18-22cm) and wingspan of around 19-20 in (48-50cm). It is 2 times bigger than a sparrow.
The speed with which an Egyptian plover can fly is currently unknown.
The small size of the Egyptian plover leads to their little weight. They usually weigh between 2.8-3.1 oz (55-75g).
The male Egyptian plovers are called cocks and the females are called hens.
A baby Egyptian plover is called a chick.
Egyptian plovers are carnivorous birds. They eat insects, worms and other invertebrates. They also eat meat from the mouth of Crocodiles stuck in their teeth.
They are not friendly towards humans but not dangerous.
Plovers are not suitable as pets as they are illegal to keep capture or harrass them.
The Greek historian Herodotus has written several articles on Egyptian Plovers long before they were placed in their family.
Egyptian plovers after a flight land down together and as a way of greeting touch their wing feathers to each other.
The Egyptian plover and crocodile facts state that the crocodile bird has a relationship of cleaning symbiosis with the crocodiles. Crocodile birds fly into the crocodile's mouth when they are lying on the shore with their mouths open and feed on bits of meat stuck in their teeth. This cleans the crocodile's teeth and that is why they don't eat crocodile birds, even when they are in their mouths!
Egyptian plovers are known as crocodile birds and are the only member of the genus Pluvianu .
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including boreal chickadee facts, or common poorwill facts.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our Egyptian Plover coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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