The grey plover or black-bellied plover is a large plover breeding in Arctic regions. It is a long-distance migrant, with a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when not breeding.
Region
Worldwide coastal regions
Typical Environment
Breeds on Arctic tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia, then disperses to coastlines on nearly all continents outside the breeding season. Winters along sandy and muddy shores, estuaries, lagoons, and saltmarsh edges. During migration it may also occur inland on large lakes, flooded fields, and river flats. Prefers open, sparsely vegetated ground when breeding and wide intertidal flats for feeding. Typically avoids dense vegetation and steep, rocky shores.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the black-bellied plover, it is the largest plover in many regions and a classic long-distance migrant breeding in the Arctic. In flight it shows diagnostic black underwing 'armpits' (axillaries), unique among similar shorebirds. It is notably wary and often the first shorebird to flush when disturbed. Non-breeding birds are mottled grey above with white below, while breeding males show a striking black face, throat, and belly.
Black-bellied plover in non-breeding plumage in Scarborough Marsh, Maine
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
On breeding grounds it nests on the ground in open tundra, typically in solitary pairs that defend territories. Outside the breeding season it often forages and roosts in loose flocks, sometimes mixing with other shorebirds. Pairs are usually monogamous for a season, and both parents may attend the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocal on the breeding grounds with clear, whistled phrases and piping notes. The common call is a loud, plaintive, two-note whistle often rendered as 'pee-ee' or 'klee-oo', frequently given in flight.
Plumage
Non-breeding plumage is mottled grey above with pale, clean underparts; breeding males have a bold black face, throat, and belly edged by white, with grey-scalloped upperparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates, including marine worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks on coastal flats. On the Arctic tundra it takes insects and their larvae, such as beetles and crane fly larvae. Foraging is typically run-and-pause, pecking prey spotted visually, but it will also probe soft substrates for buried prey. Occasionally consumes small fish or other small animal matter.
Preferred Environment
Intertidal mudflats, sandflats, and the edges of estuaries and saltmarshes, especially where tidal exposure reveals soft sediments. During migration it may use beaches, coastal lagoons, and inland wetlands or flooded fields.
