Species Profile
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Grey Plover
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
15–20 years
Length
27–30 cm
Weight
190–280 g
Wingspan
71–83 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Black-bellied Plover
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Appearance
The Grey Plover is a medium-sized shorebird with distinctive plumage that changes seasonally. In breeding plumage, it has a striking black face and underparts, contrasting with silver-grey upperparts and white tail coverts.
Breeding female grey plovers’ markings resemble those of breeding males, although the colouring differs slightly. In summer, the deep, rich black seen on males is a more subdued shade of dark brown in females.
Non-breeding adults look the same, and juveniles are less conspicuous, with grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts. The species has a short, stout black bill, black legs, and a large white wing bar visible in flight.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Grey Plovers breed in the high Arctic tundra of North America and Eurasia. During non-breeding seasons, they are found on coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches across six continents.
In the UK, they are common winter visitors and passage migrants. Significant numbers can be observed along the coasts of East Anglia, the Wash, and the Solway Firth. They also frequent coastal areas in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Devon
Dorset
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lincolnshire
Northumberland
Norfolk
Suffolk
West Sussex
Diet
Grey Plovers primarily feed on marine invertebrates such as polychaete worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. Some seeds and plant matter are also eaten. In winter, clams and mussels, snails, shrimps and crabs are caught.
They use their large eyes to spot prey on the surface of mudflats or in shallow water, often employing a technique of foot-trembling to disturb hidden prey.
Behaviour
Grey Plovers are often seen standing motionless, then suddenly running to catch prey. They exhibit a characteristic 'stop-run-peck' foraging behaviour on mudflats and beaches.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays, calling loudly while flying in zigzag patterns to defend territory.
Calls & Sounds
The Grey Plover has a distinctive, mournful whistle often described as a slurred 'pee-oo-wee'. During the breeding season, males produce a more complex song, a series of fluty whistles that rise and fall in pitch, often given during display flights.
Loud ‘klee’ and ‘kleear’ alarm calls are heard, also by male Grey Plovers, to warn of threats near their nest sites, which carry across open landscapes to alert any nearby species.
Nesting & Breeding
Grey Plovers form monogamous pairs during the brief Arctic summer. Males establish territories and perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often lined with lichen or leaves. Females typically lay four eggs, which are olive-coloured with dark spots, providing excellent camouflage.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 26-27 days. The chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching and fledge after 35-45 days.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Grey Plovers face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along migratory routes and preserving breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include Arctic foxes, jaegers, and gulls, which target eggs and chicks. Adult birds may fall prey to Peregrine Falcons and other large raptors.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Grey Plovers on coastal mudflats and sandy beaches during migration and winter.
- Observe their distinctive foraging behaviour: standing still, then running to catch prey.
- In flight, note the black 'armpits' contrasting with white wing stripes.
- Listen for their distinctive, mournful whistle, often given in flight.
Did You Know?
- Grey Plovers can fly at speeds up to 60 km/h (over 37 mph) during migration.
- They have a special salt gland that allows them to drink seawater.
- Some individuals migrate over 13,000 km (over 8,000 miles) each way annually.
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