
Grey Plover
Grey Plover
55
1 day ago


Spotted by
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
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.
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.'