Plovers · Shorebirds
European Golden-Plover
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Pluvialis apricaria
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Voice
Call
Bushman
Call
Max Karlsson
Call
Max Karlsson
How to recognize it
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Medium plover, thickset with a round head
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Grey-brown mottled upperparts; in spring black underparts and throat edged white
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Bold white S-shaped band from forehead to flanks
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Monosyllabic descending “tuu”
About the species
The European Golden-Plover spends much of its time on open ground, where it moves between short grass, wet meadows, ploughed fields, and other flat, open places. In flight it uses quick, powerful wingbeats, and its call is a simple, slightly falling “tuu”.
It breeds in Arctic tundra and moorland, then shifts southwest for winter to milder parts of Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. In the breeding season, males fly and sing to claim territory.
It feeds on insects, worms, snails, spiders, and other small animals picked up from the ground, and also takes seeds and berries. In Iceland, the first spring arrival has long been taken as a sign that winter is ending.
Where to find
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On wet vacant lots and soggy lawns — moving in short runs over bare ground while feeding for worms and insects.
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Along pond edges, drainage ditches, and reedy banks — the call is a flat, descending “tuu”, followed by a quick low takeoff.
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On open lawns and field-like edges at the city fringe — it often gathers in small flocks on short grass.
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After rain on wide gravelly or dirt clearings — look for it picking food from puddle rims and damp soil.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Pluvialis apricaria Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — European golden plover Encyclopedia article