Pacific Golden Plover

Pluvialis fulva

Family: Plovers and Lapwings · Status: Common migrant · Size: 23–26 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from northern Siberia to western Alaska; winters to the Indian Subcontinent, east Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, and Oceania.

Identification

In non-breeding plumage, upperparts are brown with bright golden or golden-buff spots, underparts buff to buff-white, sometimes with dark markings on breast and flanks. In breeding plumage, face and underparts generally black with a broad white band running from the forehead over the eyes, behind the ear-coverts, and down the breast-sides and flanks. Golden tones in upperparts and lack of black axillaries separate it from Grey Plover, which is also larger and stockier.

Habitat

Open fields, freshwater marshes, and all types of coastal habitats including beaches and mudflats.

Behaviour

Gregarious, usually forming large flocks.