The Pacific golden plover is a migratory shorebird that breeds during summer in Alaska and Siberia. During nonbreeding season, this medium-sized plover migrates widely across the Pacific.
Region
Pacific Basin and Australasia
Typical Environment
Breeds on Arctic and subarctic tundra of western Alaska and northeastern Siberia. In the nonbreeding season it disperses widely across the Pacific, wintering in Hawaii, Micronesia, Polynesia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It frequents coastal mudflats, sandy shores, short-grass fields, airports, golf courses, and agricultural lands. During migration it also uses inland wetlands and open, sparsely vegetated ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pacific golden plover is a remarkable long‑distance migrant, capable of nonstop oceanic flights between Alaska/Siberia and tropical Pacific islands. Many individuals show strong site fidelity, returning to the same winter lawn, park, or shoreline year after year. In breeding plumage they display striking gold-spangled upperparts and a bold black belly with a white flank stripe.
In transition from non-breeding to breeding plumage
Pluvialis fulva - MHNT
Temperament
alert and active; wary but often tolerant on wintering grounds
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; capable of long nonstop flights
Social Behavior
On breeding grounds it nests on open tundra in a ground scrape, with both sexes sharing incubation and chick care. Outside the breeding season it is often loosely gregarious but many birds defend small feeding territories on lawns or beaches.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, whistled chu-it and plit calls, often given in flight. On breeding grounds, males deliver a soft, piping display song during aerial displays.
