Hooded Plovers

Hooded Plover Adult with chick at Port Willunga beach

The Hooded Plover is Australia's most threatened beach-nesting bird.

They live on our beaches all year-round and lay their eggs directly on the sand from August to March each year. Their eggs and tiny chicks blend into the sand to hide them from predators. This makes them hard for beach-goers to see and easy for them to be accidentally crushed. We work in partnership with Green Adelaide, BirdLife Australia and volunteers to set up protection zones around Hooded Plover breeding sites. This program has improved their breeding success. 

Protection zones

It’s Hooded Plover breeding time which means it’s time to put dogs on-leash, look out for temporary fencing and/or signage and obey the signs.

Whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle, protection zones are in place on our foreshore as indicated by signage. These Hooded Plover breeding site restrictions are in line with our by-laws and as detailed below:

Vehicles

  • Vehicles are prohibited within 20 metres of a Hooded Plover breeding site.

Dogs

  • Dogs are prohibited within 20 metres of a Hooded Plover breeding site.
  • Dogs must be on a leash within 100m of any sign that indicates Hooded Plovers may be present in the area.

Active breeding sites

Current Hooded Plover breeding sites update.

10 February 2025

No active Hooded Plover breeding sites. Birdlife Australia have advised that the season has come to an end.

 

 

 

 

Hooded Plovers in this area. Dogs must be on a leash within 100m of this sign. Fines may apply. /Hooded Plover breeding site. No dogs or vehicles within 20 metres of this sign. Fines may apply.