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A rare bird known as the Three-banded Plover (Thinornis tricollaris), locally referred to as “takkeli cilibit,” has been recorded in southeastern Türkiye for the first time, bringing the country’s official bird list to 504 documented species.
The sighting took place on March 10 at Hancagiz Dam in the Nizip district of Gaziantep, where the species was photographed by wildlife observer Yakup Yener. The discovery quickly drew attention from birdwatchers across Türkiye, many of whom traveled to the area after news of the sighting spread.
The observation of the Three-banded Plover marks a significant addition to Türkiye’s growing list of bird species. Yakup Yener, who regularly monitors bird activity in the region, captured the bird during one of his routine visits to Hancagiz Dam.
Speaking about the moment, Yener said he had been surveying wetlands during the migration season when he noticed an unfamiliar bird among other species. He explained that after approaching closer, he realized it was the Three-banded Plover, describing the encounter as witnessing “a very special moment for Türkiye.”
Following the announcement, the dam area began to attract birdwatchers eager to observe the species themselves.
The Three-banded Plover originates from sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar and is recognized by its red eye ring and distinctive white crown encircling the top of its head. Although the species generally lives a sedentary life, it is known to display irregular and unexpected movements during migration periods.
At first glance, the bird can resemble the Forbes plover, yet it can be distinguished by its white forehead and thinner chest band.
The species typically inhabits gravelly or muddy shores along freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, where it feeds on insects, larvae, crustaceans, and small mollusks found both on land and in shallow water.
Hancagiz Dam is already known as one of the most productive birdwatching locations in Gaziantep. With the addition of the Three-banded Plover, the site has once again demonstrated its importance for bird diversity in southeastern Türkiye.
The area functions as a vital stopover during spring and autumn migration, offering a safe resting point for waterbirds and ducks traveling across the region.
Observers have also recorded species of global conservation concern in the area, including the Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), which is classified internationally as Near Threatened. Notably, the species was observed breeding in the region again in 2025 after a long absence, underlining the ecological importance of the wetland habitat.
In recent years, the Three-banded Plover has been recorded outside its typical distribution range in several countries, including Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel. The appearance of the species in Türkiye fits into this broader pattern of unusual sightings.
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