UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Ringed plover

Charadrius hiaticula

Type

Birds

Description

A lovely small wading bird, with a striking black and white head. It has brown wings, and a white body.

Nests on the beach, usually around freshwater reservoirs and lakes: its eggs are so well camouflaged, they could easily be stepped on.

Location

Often spotted pattering along the tideline, usually singly

Habitat

Mudflats