The ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula) is a small shorebird with a distinct black chest band that stands out against its white breast and chin. Ringed plovers have orange legs and a black-tipped orange bill. They inhabit coastal areas as well as some inland sites such as sand and gravel pits. The species occurs over a vast range that includes Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and North America and is a vagrant species in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.

Their population is estimated to be in the range of 360,000 and 1,300,000 individuals. Their extensive distribution and large population mean that the IUCN has classified them in the Least Concern category, although their numbers are thought to be declining.