The diademed sandpiper-plover or diademed plover (Phegornis mitchellii) is a species of bird in the plover family Charadriidae. It is monotypic within the genus Phegornis.[2] The relationship of this species to other plovers is uncertain, a 2010 study suggested it may be related to the Australian dotterels.[3]
The species is found in the Puna grassland ecoregions of the Andes Mountains from Argentina and Chile, through Bolivia to Peru. In this habitat it prefers mossy tundra, high-altitude grassland, bogs and swamps. It is an altitudinal migrant, breeding between 3,500–5,000 m (11,500–16,400 ft) above sea-level, but wintering at 2,000 m (6,600 ft).[3]
The diademed sand-piper-plover is a small compact plover, 16.5–19 cm (6.5–7.5 in) in length and weighing 28–46 g (0.99–1.62 oz). It has a black head with a white stripe above the eye meeting at the crown, a chestnut neck, a white throat and chest barred in black, and grey upperparts. The wings are short and the flight undulating. The sexes are alike and the juvenile has a grey head, less distinct barring on the front and brown upperparts.[3]
They breed in the summer months, laying two eggs, olive-grey with black spots, in a circular nest of grasses. The downy chicks are dark brown, marbled with black above and lighter below.[3]
The species is poorly known and uncommon, and rarely recorded. While its habitat is thought to be secure, it is possible that overgrazing is a threat.[3]