Siberian Sand Plover
Anarhynchus mongolus
The Siberian Sand Plover is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn migrations, often in coastal areas and wetlands. It is a small wader that can be spotted in the UK, although sightings are infrequent and usually involve individual birds.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Siberian Sand Plover in the field.
The Siberian Sand Plover can be identified by its brownish-grey plumage, black stripe across the forehead, and distinctive black marks on the breast. Its relatively long legs and straight black bill are also notable features.
The Siberian Sand Plover is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 18-20 cm in length.
The male Siberian Sand Plover has a breeding plumage characterized by a black stripe across the forehead, black marks on the breast, and a greyish-brown back, with some variation in the intensity of these colours depending on the season.
The female Siberian Sand Plover is similar to the male, although the black markings on the breast may be less pronounced, and the overall plumage can appear more subdued.
The Siberian Sand Plover's call is a sharp, high-pitched whistle, often transcribed as a loud "pee-pee-pee" or "chu-chu-chu" sound.
Siberian Sand Plovers are ground-foraging birds that feed on small invertebrates, often running or standing still to scan for prey, and they can be seen in a variety of habitats, including mudflats, beaches, and wet meadows.
The Siberian Sand Plover can be confused with the Kentish Plover or the Ringed Plover, but it can be distinguished from these species by its lack of a yellow or orange bill, and the presence of a black stripe across the forehead, as well as its more subdued plumage patterns.
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