Caspian Plover
Anarhynchus asiaticus
The Caspian Plover is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn migrations, often in coastal areas and wetlands. It is a distinctive species, but its infrequent visits to the UK make it a prized sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Caspian Plover in the field.
The Caspian Plover can be identified by its brownish-grey plumage, white belly, and distinctive black stripe across its forehead, as well as its relatively long legs and straight black bill. Its overall appearance is quite distinctive, with a mix of grey, brown, and white feathers.
The Caspian Plover is slightly larger than a Golden Plover, but smaller than a Lapwing, making it a medium-sized wader.
The male Caspian Plover has a brownish-grey back and wings, with a white belly and a black stripe across its forehead, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Caspian Plover is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.
The Caspian Plover has a distinctive call, often described as a sharp, whistled "pee-wee" or "chu-wee", which can be heard during migration and breeding periods.
The Caspian Plover is a ground-nesting species that feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects and worms, and can be seen running or standing still while foraging, with a distinctive upright stance and long strides when walking.
The Caspian Plover can be confused with other plover species, such as the Grey Plover or the Kentish Plover, but can be distinguished by its distinctive black forehead stripe, longer legs, and more upright stance, as well as its overall greyish-brown plumage.
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