More formally the Hooded Plover, Thinornis cucullatus, surpassed in cuteness only by the Giant Panda (and even then only if the Panda is in a playful mood). There are two populations, in south-eastern Australia they are entirely coastal. The Western Australian population enjoy the coast but also wander inland onto salt lakes. They like broad beaches backed by dunes where they nest on the ground above the high tide mark.
The population is declining, the IUCN lists them as near threatened. The main problem for the Hoodies is that they breed at the same time hordes of people descend on their beaches. The adults are able to look out for themselves but the youngsters are very vulnerable especially to dogs. Very few make it to maturity.
If you come across some of the many volunteers that endeavour to protect the hatchlings do spare them an encouraging word or two. Most will soon need counselling because their charges have come to grief.
bobmcgee 