Wilson's plover is a small bird of the family Charadriidae.
Region
Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds along coastal beaches, barrier islands, and estuaries from the southeastern United States around the Gulf of Mexico through the Caribbean and locally along the Atlantic coasts of Central and northern South America. Northern breeders often move south to winter on tropical coasts. It favors sparsely vegetated sandy beaches, tidal flats, salt pans, and lagoon edges. The species avoids rocky shores and densely vegetated coastal zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Wilson's plover is a crab-specialist shorebird with a notably thick, dark bill adapted for seizing fiddler crabs. It nests in shallow scrapes on open sandy beaches and barrier islands, making it vulnerable to disturbance and beach traffic. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, following parents to feed along tidal flats.
A plover on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Temperament
alert and wary
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with rapid wingbeats over the surf and flats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups during the breeding season, becoming more gregarious on migration and in winter. Nests are simple scrapes above the high tide line; both sexes incubate and care for the young. Displays include piping calls and distraction tactics to lead intruders away from nests.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, clear piping whistles and sharp peeps, often given in series during territorial displays. Calls carry well over open beaches and mudflats, with alarm notes becoming more urgent near nests.
