Plovers & Lapwings in South Yorkshire

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in South YorkshireView family page

South Yorkshire supports five species of plovers and lapwings, found across a diverse range of habitats from upland moorlands to lowland wetlands and gravel pits. The Northern Lapwing is perhaps the most iconic, breeding on farmland and moorland edges across the county, while passage migrants such as the Dotterel and Golden Plover add seasonal interest to the region's higher ground. Little Ringed Plovers and Ringed Plovers can be spotted around the county's reservoirs and river margins, particularly during the breeding season.

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)2 year-round residents
Dotterel

Dotterel

Eudromias morinellusLC

A rare autumn passage migrant through the region in August and September, occasionally stopping on upland fields and moorland edges.

Aug–Sep

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

Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricariaLC

Breeds on Peak District moorlands in summer; winter flocks gather on lowland farmland across the region.

Year-round

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

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubiusLC

An uncommon summer breeder favouring gravel pits and reservoir margins. Arrives in March and departs by early autumn.

Mar–Sep

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

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellusNT

A common resident of farmland and wet grassland, though nationally declining. Winter flocks gather on ploughed fields across the region.

Year-round

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

Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticulaLC

An uncommon breeder on gravelly shores and scrapes, present from February to October at wetland reserves.

Feb–Oct

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plovers & Lapwings in South Yorkshire | Birdfact