Plovers & Lapwings in Northumberland
6 species matching this filter.
Northumberland's diverse landscapes, from its sweeping coastline and estuaries to its upland moorlands and farmland, provide excellent habitat for plovers and lapwings throughout the year. Six species from this charismatic family have been recorded in the county, including the iconic Northern Lapwing on lowland fields, Golden Plover on the Cheviot Hills, and the scarce Dotterel passing through on spring migration. The county's expansive beaches and mudflats, particularly around Lindisfarne and the Northumberland coast, attract wintering Grey Plover and Ringed Plover in impressive numbers.
Dotterel
Eudromias morinellusLC
A rare and elusive passage migrant, occasionally stopping on Cheviot hilltops in May. Known as the 'trip bird' for its confiding nature.
May
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon resident breeding on upland moorland in summer. Large winter flocks gather on coastal fields and estuarine margins.
Year-round
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
Frequents estuaries and mudflats such as Budle Bay and Lindisfarne, most numerous in autumn and winter passage periods.
Aug–May
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare breeding visitor to gravel pits and reservoir margins, arriving in April and departing by early autumn.
Apr–Sep
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining resident of farmland and wetland margins. Large winter flocks form on ploughed fields across Northumberland's lowlands.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
Breeds on shingle beaches and dune systems along the coast. Present year-round but uncommon, with numbers boosted by passage birds in autumn.
Year-round