Plovers - Lapwings - Stilt

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a variety of shorebirds, including Plovers (Charadriidae), Lapwings (Vanellidae), and Stilts (Recurvirostridae), which thrive in the park’s coastal habitats, mudflats, and estuaries. Plovers, such as the Wilson’s Plover, are small, ground-nesting birds that forage along the shoreline for small invertebrates, crustaceans, and seeds. Lapwings, with their distinctive calls and striking plumage, can often be found in open areas near water, where they hunt for insects, worms, and other small prey. Stilts, such as the Black-necked Stilt, are easily recognized by their long, slender legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. They are often seen wading in shallow waters, using their long bills to probe for aquatic invertebrates and small fish. These shorebirds play essential roles in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal ecosystems, contributing to insect control and seed dispersal while enhancing the biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park.