Golden plover

Golden plover

Pluvialis apricaria

A medium sized wading bird, just slightly smaller than its relative, the grey plover.

All about golden plover

In summer many breed in the upland moorlands of the UK before moving to lowland fields, farmlands and coastal estuaries in the winter.

Much larger numbers can be seen in winter as they are joined by migratory plover which come from breeding grounds in northern Europe, Iceland, and Scandinavia.

In summer they have beautiful black and gold speckled plumage but in winter the black disappears and they develop a paler, buff coloured plumage on their throats, chest and belly. In flight their golden feathers shimmer in the sunlight. They form large flocks and will often stand upright and run in short bursts. They feed on worms, beetles and insects.

Golden plover and lapwing are often found together: in flight they can be distinguished by their wings which are sharp and pointed, compared to the rounded wings and floppy flight of the lapwings.

Local spotlight

Golden plover can be found all around the Solent during the winter, especially around the Newtown and Yar estuaries on the Isle of Wight, Chichester and Langstone Harbours, Southampton Water and the northwest Solent.

Conservation status

They are green listed in the UK.