Charadrius dubius, commonly known as the Little Ringed Plover, is native to a wide geographical distribution across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its range extends from Portugal and the British Isles in the west, across continental Europe and Asia, reaching as far as Japan and Eastern Russia. During the breeding season, it is primarily found in temperate regions, while during the winter months, it migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

The Little Ringed Plover typically inhabits open areas near freshwater bodies. It prefers gravelly or sandy shores of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as coastal wetlands, marshes, and occasionally agricultural lands. Its habitat is characterized by regions with sparse vegetation, which allows easy access to open ground for nesting and foraging.

The species occupies an ecological niche as a ground-nesting bird, feeding primarily on invertebrates, including insects, worms, and crustaceans, which it forages from the ground surface or shallow water. The bird's cryptic coloration assists in camouflage against predators, allowing it to thrive in these open, ground-level habitats. In some regions, subspecies show adaptations to local environmental conditions, such as more pronounced migratory patterns in colder climates.