Grey Plover

The Grey Plover, known as the Black-bellied Plover in the New World, is a robust bird with a notable presence. It measures 27–30 cm in length, boasts a wingspan of 71–83 cm, and weighs between 190–280 grams, occasionally reaching up to 345 grams when preparing for migration. In breeding plumage, it is a striking bird with a black and white spotted back and wings, a black face and neck with a contrasting white border, and a similarly patterned black breast and belly. The rump is white, and the tail is barred with black. Its bill and legs are a stark black. Come winter, it dons a more subdued grey plumage above with a speckled breast and a white belly.

Identification Tips

In flight, the Grey Plover can be distinguished from its congeners by its black inner flanks and axillary feathers at the base of the underwing. When grounded, its larger, heavier bill, measuring 24–34 mm, is a key identifying feature. The bird's winter and juvenile plumages are less distinctive but can be recognized by the creamy white edging on the back feathers.

Habitat

The Grey Plover breeds in the open, dry tundra of Arctic islands and coastal areas, preferring locations with clear visibility.

Distribution

This species is a long-distance migrant with a nearly worldwide coastal distribution outside of the breeding season. It breeds across the northern coasts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia, and winters along coastlines from southwest British Columbia and Massachusetts to Argentina and Chile, Ireland to South Africa, and southern Japan to Australia and New Zealand.

Behaviour

Grey Plovers are not as social as some other plover species, often feeding alone or in small, loosely associated groups. They are known for their long, non-stop transcontinental flights, but are typically rare inland except when severe weather forces them to land.

Song & Calls

The Grey Plover's vocalizations are less documented in this context, but like many plovers, it likely has a repertoire of calls used in various behaviors such as alarm, mating, and territory defense.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the Arctic, with nests being simple gravel scrapes. Clutches usually consist of four eggs, and chicks fledge at 35–45 days old. Young birds do not breed until they are two years of age, often staying in their wintering grounds until then.

Similar Species

The Grey Plover can be confused with other Pluvialis species, but its larger bill and distinctive black underwing in flight help differentiate it.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of molluscs, polychaete worms, crustaceans, and insects, which they forage for on beaches and tidal flats, primarily by sight.

Conservation status

The IUCN considers the Grey Plover to be of "Least Concern" in terms of conservation status. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).