European Golden-Plover
NameEuropean Golden-Plover
Common NameEuropean Golden-Plover
Scientific NamePluvialis apricaria
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)71.5
Length (cm)27.5
Weight (g)185
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, adults display a prominent black face, throat, and belly, sharply bordered by a broad white stripe extending from the forehead down the sides of the neck and flanks. The upperparts are richly patterned with golden-yellow and black spots. Non-breeding birds and juveniles are duller, lacking the extensive black, with yellowish-brown upperparts and pale underparts.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, melancholy, piping whistle, often rendered as 'tlee-oo' or 'tloo-ee', sometimes a more rapid 'ploo-ee-ploo-ee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatstundra, grassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern Europe and western Siberia, including Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia. Winters in western and southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Identifying FeaturesGolden-spotted upperparts, Prominent black belly with white flank stripe (breeding plumage), Relatively short bill, Upright posture, Distinctive whistling call
Description
The European Golden-Plover is a medium-sized wading bird, striking in its breeding plumage with a black belly and golden-spotted back. It typically inhabits open moorlands and tundra during breeding, migrating to grasslands and agricultural fields in winter, where it forages for invertebrates.
