Black-bellied Plover
NameBlack-bellied Plover
Common NameBlack-bellied Plover
Scientific NamePluvialis squatarola
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)28.5
Weight (g)245
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, as pictured, adults have a black face, throat, breast, and belly, sharply contrasting with a white crown, nape, and flanks. The back and wings are mottled black and white. Non-breeding birds are duller, grayish-brown above and whitish below, with a prominent white supercilium.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, melancholy, three-note whistle, often described as 'pee-o-wee' or 'tlee-oo-ee', typically given in flight.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the high Arctic tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia. It undertakes long-distance migrations to winter on coastal mudflats, beaches, and estuaries worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Identifying FeaturesStriking black belly and face with white crown in breeding plumage, Mottled black and white back, Large head and eyes with a short, stout bill, Prominent white wing stripe visible in flight, Distinctive three-note whistling call
Description
The Black-bellied Plover is a medium-sized shorebird, striking in its breeding plumage with a contrasting black face, breast, and belly against a white crown and mottled back. It is known for its distinctive 'run-stop-peck' foraging behavior on open ground.
