Black-bellied Plover

13 hours ago

Spotted

The Grey Plover, also known as the Black-bellied Plover in the Americas, is a robust plover with striking black belly and face in breeding plumage, and silvery-grey upperparts in winter. It is typically found on coastal mudflats and beaches.

Where to spot

Breeds in the Arctic tundra across the Northern Hemisphere, wintering on coasts and estuaries worldwide, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

How to spot

In breeding plumage, look for the prominent black belly and face. In winter, it is silvery-grey above and white below. In flight, notice the diagnostic black axillary feathers ('armpits') and white wing bar, unique among plovers. Listen for its characteristic melancholy whistle.

When to spot

Best observed during migration (spring and autumn) when they occur in large numbers along coastlines, or during winter in their non-breeding grounds. Breeding plumage is most vibrant in late spring/early summer.

Where to spot

Breeds in the Arctic tundra across the Northern Hemisphere, wintering on coasts and estuaries worldwide, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

How to spot

When to spot

Credits: f_snarfel

Credits: Vlaskop

Credits: f_snarfel

The Grey Plover has a distinctive and easily recognizable 'plaintive' three-note whistle call, often given in flight, which sounds like 'pee-ooo-eee' or 'tlee-oo-ee.'

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