Plovers & Lapwings in Gloucestershire
5 species matching this filter.
Gloucestershire's diverse landscapes, from the Severn Estuary mudflats to the open farmland of the Cotswolds and the wetlands of the Severn Vale, provide important habitats for plovers and lapwings. Five species from this family have been recorded in the county, including the charismatic Northern Lapwing, which breeds on arable fields and wet meadows, and passage visitors such as the Golden Plover and Grey Plover. The Little Ringed Plover, a summer migrant, can be found nesting at gravel pits and reservoir margins across the county.
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon winter visitor forming flocks on the Severn floodplain and arable fields, present from autumn through to early spring.
Sep–Apr
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
A rare visitor to the Severn Estuary mudflats, seen sporadically outside the main summer months.
Sep–Jun
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
An uncommon summer breeder at gravel pits and reservoir margins. Arrives in March and departs by September.
Mar–Sep
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
Common year-round on wet grasslands and ploughed fields, with large winter flocks on the Severn floodplain.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
An uncommon resident, found on muddy shores along the Severn Estuary and at gravel pit margins throughout the year.
Year-round