Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), male
European Golden Plover, Male

European Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

The European golden plover, Pluvialis apricaria, presents itself as a relatively large plover species, distinguished by its robust build. During the breeding season, adults don a striking plumage that features a white "s"-shaped band extending from the forehead down to the flanks, creating a visual spectacle that is both elegant and distinctive.

Identification Tips

When observing the European golden plover, one may note its slightly longer wings compared to its tail, and the characteristic white band that adorns its head and sides. This feature is particularly prominent and serves as a key identification marker for the species.

Habitat

Breeding primarily in the Arctic tundra and other palearctic locales, the European golden plover favors open landscapes. In winter, it can be found in a variety of open habitats, from European agricultural plains to the short grass meadows of North Africa.

Distribution

The range of this species is quite extensive, with breeding grounds stretching from the western reaches of Iceland, known locally as Heiðlóa, to the central expanses of Siberia. Come winter, large flocks migrate to milder regions, including parts of Europe and North Africa.

Behaviour

The European golden plover is known for its rapid and powerful flight, characterized by regular wingbeats. It is a sociable bird, often seen gathering in large flocks during the non-breeding season.

Song & Calls

The call of the European golden plover is a distinctive, monosyllabic, and slightly descending note that carries a touch of melancholy, often transcribed as "tuu".

Similar Species

The European golden plover is similar in appearance to the American golden plover, Pluvialis dominica, and the Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva. However, it is distinguishable by its larger size, stockier build, and the white axillary feathers visible in flight, as opposed to the grey axillaries of its American and Pacific counterparts.

Diet and Feeding

In the United Kingdom, the diet of golden plover chicks is heavily reliant on Tipulidae, while in Sweden, Bibionidae play a more significant role in their nourishment.

Conservation status

The European golden plover is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is one of the species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

European Golden Plover Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

European Golden Plover Fun Facts

Did you know?
A debate over the speed of European Golden Plovers was the origin of the Guinness Book of World Records.

European Golden Plovers on Birda

Sightings

More Plovers

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.