Plovers & Lapwings in United Kingdom
6 species matching this filter.
The United Kingdom is home to six species of plovers and lapwings, found across a diverse range of habitats from upland moorlands to coastal mudflats and shingle beaches. The Northern Lapwing, with its distinctive crest and tumbling display flight, is one of the most iconic farmland birds in Britain, while the Dotterel is a scarce and sought-after mountain-nesting species. Coastal estuaries and beaches provide vital wintering and breeding grounds for species such as the Golden Plover, Grey Plover, and both Ringed and Little Ringed Plover.
Dotterel
Eudromias morinellusLC
A rare passage migrant pausing on high ground in spring and autumn, with a tiny breeding population in the Scottish Highlands.
May–Oct
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Breeds on upland moorlands in summer and forms large flocks on lowland farmland in winter. A common and widespread resident.
Year-round
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to estuaries and mudflats, mainly from autumn through spring. Breeds in the high Arctic and passes through on migration.
Year-round
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A summer breeding visitor favouring gravel pits, reservoirs and river shingle. Arrives from March and departs by early autumn.
Mar–Sep
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common resident of farmland and wetland margins, with numbers boosted by continental arrivals in winter. Breeding populations have declined sharply.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A common resident of sandy and shingle beaches, also found on inland gravel pits. Numbers increase in autumn and winter with arrivals from the Continent.
Year-round