Sighting of a Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus at Lake Finniss, Northern Territory

Abstract

There have been several reports of Caspian Plovers Charadrius asiaticus from mainland Australia, but doubt has been cast over their validity. This paper reports on a sighting of the species at Lake Finniss, Northern Territory. The record has been accepted by the Birds Australia Rarities Committee (Case 218), and may constitute the first confirmed record for the Australian mainland. Separation from similar species is discussed.