Plovers & Lapwings in Devon

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in DevonView family page

Devon's diverse coastal estuaries, mudflats, and open farmland provide vital habitat for five species of plovers and lapwings throughout the year. The Exe Estuary and Taw-Torridge Estuary are particularly important wintering grounds for Golden Plover, Grey Plover, and Northern Lapwing, while the scarcer Little Ringed Plover can be found breeding at select inland gravel sites during summer. Whether scanning tidal flats or walking across Dartmoor's fringes, birdwatchers in Devon have excellent opportunities to observe these charismatic waders.

Little Ringed Plover
Little Ringed PloverSmallest · 14cm
to
Northern Lapwing
Northern LapwingLargest · 31cm
Ranges from the Little Ringed Plover (14cm) to the Northern Lapwing (31cm)3 year-round residents
Golden Plover

Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricariaLC

A rare non-breeding visitor to Devon's farmland and estuaries from autumn to spring. Flocks sometimes gather on wet pastures.

Sep–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Grey Plover

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarolaLC

Found on Devon's estuaries and mudflats for much of the year, with peak numbers in winter. The Exe Estuary is a favoured site.

Jul–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Little Ringed Plover

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubiusLC

A rare summer breeder in Devon, nesting on gravel margins of reservoirs and rivers from March to August.

Mar–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellusNT

A declining resident found on Devon's farmland and estuaries year-round. Winter flocks on the Exe can be impressive.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticulaLC

Present year-round on Devon's shingle beaches and estuarine mudflats. Breeds on a few coastal sites but numbers remain modest.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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