The mating system of Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus pairs generally re‐nest together after the loss of a clutch. In contrast, two females who hatched clutches changed mates before re‐nesting, thus proving sequential polyandry. Observations of adults accompanying broods show that females normally desert the brood about a week after hatching. The majority of birds change mates between seasons, even if their partner from the previous season is alive.