Platalea leucorodia – Platalea leucorodia

The plover is a species of Pelargomorph bird of the Threskiornithidae family that is also found in Greece. Its scientific name is Platalea leucorodia and it includes 3 subspecies. The subspecies Platalea leucorodia leucorodia occurs in Greece. They are tall birds reaching 86 cm. They are white in color while adults have yellowish plumage at the base of their neck. The beak is long, dark ash while its tip is wide like a spoon (chuliari, hence the name Chouliaromyta) and yellowish. His legs also have an ash color.

They live near shallow waters, on the banks of rivers, lakes, in marshes, etc. and feed on small aquatic crustaceans, insects and small vertebrates, which they search for in the mud and sand with their beaks, mainly during the night hours. In the spring, in a nest they build on land in trees or in water, females lay 3-5 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. The chicks are blind for this and need the care of their parents for several weeks. During mating season, adult birds develop a long nape and a yellowish collar. The sandpiper is a rare bird that comes to Europe in the summer months and migrates to Africa in the winter. It is a very rare bird throughout Europe and in Greece, where its population has decreased significantly in recent years. The few individuals that do come are found in most of the large wetlands left in the country. In the rest of Europe we find it mainly in the southern regions.

PRESERVATION STATUS:
According to IUCN estimates, there are estimated to be more than 58,000 Hornbills. The species is considered “not threatened” and is classified as a species of least concern (LC: Least Concern).

THREATS:
There is no reduction in their general population, which is maintained at satisfactory levels and the general risks of degradation or shrinking of wetlands are considered as risks or threats to the preservation of the species.

TARGET GROUPS:
The professional fishermen of the lagoons of Lefkada, ordinary citizens, environmental protection associations in the area of ​​interest.