Pluvialis squatarola
The Grey Plover, known as the Black-bellied Plover in North America, is a robust and distinctive shorebird belonging to the Charadriidae family. Averaging 27-30 cm (10.6-11.8 in) in length with a wingspan of 71-83 cm (28-33 in) and weighing 170-320 g (6-11.3 oz), its size and chunky build distinguish it from other plovers. In breeding plumage, it sports a striking black face, neck, and belly, contrasting sharply with its mottled grey and white back and crown; a prominent white band separates ...
This adaptable plover primarily utilizes coastal habitats such as mudflats, estuaries, sandy beaches, and salt marshes during migration and winter. Its breeding grounds are restricted to sparse, dry Arctic tundra in lowland areas.
The Grey Plover primarily consumes marine invertebrates such as crabs, polychaete worms, bivalves, and gastropods, along with some insects and small fish. They forage visually, often probing the substrate with their short bill.
Grey Plovers exhibit a classic 'stop-run-peck' foraging strategy, visually locating prey before a quick dash and strike. They are largely diurnal but will also feed actively at night on moonlit tides. During the breeding season on the Arctic tundra, males establish and aggressively defend territo...
The Grey Plover is a circumpolar breeder, with its breeding grounds spanning the high Arctic tundra of North America (including Alaska and Arctic Canada), Greenland, northern Europe, and northern Asia (Siberia). Following breeding, these long-distance migrants disperse globally to winter across a...
Least Concern
- The Grey Plover is known as the Black-bellied Plover in North America, a name that perfectly describes its striking breeding plumage. - It's the only species in the Pluvialis genus (which includes the Golden Plovers) that possesses a small hind toe; the others have only three forward-facing toe...