Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria
The Golden Plover is a medium-sized wading bird that can be seen in Britain, particularly during its migration periods, with notable sightings in wet meadows, coastal areas, and moorlands, often from August to May. It is a relatively common winter visitor and passage migrant in the UK, with some individuals remaining to breed in the northern and western parts of the country.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Golden Plover in the field.
The Golden Plover can be identified by its golden-brown back, white belly, and distinctive black markings on its forehead, throat, and breast, as well as its relatively long legs and straight black bill.
The Golden Plover is slightly larger than a Lapwing, but smaller than a Curlew.
The male Golden Plover has a striking breeding plumage, characterized by a dark brown to golden-brown back, white belly, and black markings on its forehead, throat, and breast, with a grey-brown colouration on its crown and nape.
The female Golden Plover's plumage is similar to that of the male, although it may appear slightly duller and less intensely coloured, particularly during the breeding season.
The Golden Plover's call is a melancholic, whistled "pee-wee" or "tu-wee", often heard during its migration and breeding periods.
Golden Plovers are ground-nesting birds that feed on small invertebrates, such as insects and worms, and can be seen running or standing still while foraging, with a distinctive, swift, and direct flight style when alarmed or migrating.
The Golden Plover can be confused with the Grey Plover, but can be distinguished by its more golden-brown back, black markings on its forehead and throat, and a less pronounced white stripe above its eye, as well as its smaller size and more slender bill.
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