Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarola · Plovers and Lapwings
The Grey Plover, also known as the Black-bellied Plover in the New World, is a robust shorebird recognized for its extensive migratory journeys. This species exhibits a striking transformation in plumage between its breeding and non-breeding seasons. It is a widespread bird, found on nearly every coast outside of Antarctica.
Explore the full field guideMigratoryMedium-sizedWhistling voiceInvertebrate diet
3 calls·first heard Sep 16·last 19h ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults in breeding plumage have spotted silver-white and dark grey upperparts with black underparts. A prominent white band extends from the forehead down to the breast sides.
- Outside the breeding season, adults are speckled brownish-grey above with golden-brown and whitish streaks, lacking the black underparts. Their face is pale grey with a white streak above the eye.
- Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have darker grey-brown upperparts with bold pale-gold or yellowish-white spots, giving a spangled appearance.
- In all plumages, a diagnostic black patch in the inner flanks and axillary feathers at the base of the underwing distinguishes it from other plovers.