St Helena plover

Description

The Santa Elena plover,or Santa Elena plover ( Charadrius sanctaehelenae ),locally known as Wirebird due to its thin legs,is a small wader endemic to Santa Elena Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.The Kittlitz plover ( Charadrius pecuarius ) is the closest relative of the bird.Although the Santa Elena plover is generally larger,but not as well marked as the Kittlitz plover,which is native to sub-Saharan Africa. The bird was mentioned for the first time in 1638,and is the national bird of Santa Elena,appearing on the shield and flag of the island.Some coins 5 local pennies issued before 1998 have the bird on its back. This plover is resident throughout the year in the open areas of Santa Elena,and it is thought that widespread deforestation on the island,although it is generally detrimental to the island's ecosystem,has in fact benefited this particular species,since he lives in the openings in the forest.