Big Courier

The Big Courier is a small wading bird belonging to the Charadridae family. It is widespread in several coastal regions and open wetlands, where it feeds mainly on insects, small invertebrates and crustaceans it finds in mud or on sand.
Characterized by a compact and well-proportioned body, the large courier has distinctive plumage: during the breeding season, the male has brown upperparts, white lowerparts, a black band across the breast, and the head decorated with a black and white pattern. A deep yellow periocular ring surrounds the eye, and the beak, short and stout, is mostly black with an orange base on the lower jaw. The legs, fleshy pink, add an additional identifying feature.
The female is similar to the male but with more muted colors, especially in the black areas of the plumage. In winter dress, both males and females acquire more subdued shades, with less contrasting colors. It is an agile species, often observed in groups as it runs quickly along the shore or in wet meadows in search of food. The large courier is known for its lively behavior and ability to skillfully camouflage itself in its natural environment.