Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

Family: Plovers and Lapwings · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 27–30 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable

Range

Breeds across Arctic Russia and North America; winters on coasts of the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Identification

Non-breeding birds have white underparts and cold grey-brown upperparts with white fringing. In non-breeding plumage, larger and stockier than Pacific Golden Plover with a stouter bill, shorter legs, and upperparts lacking golden tones. In flight, displays prominent black axillaries on the underwing, absent in Pacific Golden Plover. In breeding plumage, face and underparts all black except white vent, with a broad white band from the lores to crown and down the breast-sides.

Habitat

Intertidal mudflats, sandflats, and beaches.

Behaviour

Usually forms small, widely spaced flocks, in contrast with Pacific Golden Plover which forms large, dense flocks.