Pluvialis fulva
The Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) is a medium-sized shorebird, renowned for its epic trans-oceanic migrations and striking breeding plumage. Measuring approximately 23-26 cm (9-10 inches) in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and weighing 100-200 grams (3.5-7 ounces), this species exhibits distinct seasonal variations. In breeding plumage, it boasts a vibrant golden-spangled upperpart, contrasting sharply with a dramatic black face, throat, and underparts, all neatly ...
Breeds on Arctic tundra and montane wet meadows. Winters on coastal mudflats, estuaries, grasslands, cultivated fields, and open parklands.
Primarily consumes insects (especially beetles, flies, and their larvae) and some berries on breeding grounds; switches to marine invertebrates (crabs, worms, mollusks) and plant matter (seeds, grass shoots) on wintering grounds, using a 'run-stop-peck' foraging method.
Pacific Golden Plovers are primarily diurnal, though they may forage at night during migration or on moonlit evenings in wintering areas, often roosting communally in open fields or shorelines. Their foraging strategy is characterized by a distinctive 'run-stop-peck' technique, visually locating ...
The Pacific Golden Plover boasts an expansive yet segmented global distribution. Its breeding range encompasses the high Arctic tundra across Siberia, extending eastward into western Alaska (USA) and occasionally into the Canadian Arctic. Following breeding, these birds undertake one of the most ...
Least Concern
- Pacific Golden Plovers undertake one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird, traveling up to 10,000 km (6,200 miles) non-stop over the open ocean. - They can lose nearly half their body weight during their incredible trans-Pacific migrations, burning fat reserves built up specifically fo...