Golden plover

The golden plover referred to in this article is the Eurasian species (Pluvialis apricaria) as opposed to the American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica). The Eurasian species is found in Iceland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Finland and northern Russia, as well as Great Britain, where it breeds in the upland areas of Scotland, Wales and the south-west of England, and winters in lowland areas.

The golden plover is on the amber list of bird species considered to be vulnerable in the United Kingdom. Bad weather during the breeding season, or a severe winter that has a bad effect on the food supply, is a threat to their numbers.

Appearance

The golden plover is a fairly large plover, at around 28 centimetres (11 inches) in length. The bird takes its name from the speckled gold and black upperparts (extending to the crown of the head), found in both male and female birds and also in juveniles. The winter plumage of the underparts is light coloured, but becomes black during the summer. The black covers the belly, throat and cheeks, but narrows to a connecting strip on the chest, with a broad white stripe on either side before the gold and black speckling begins.

The golden plover has a rounded head and a slender black bill.

Behaviour

Like most plovers, the golden plover has an upright stance and a tendency to run along the ground in short rapid bursts, pausing to tilt the body to take food. When in flight it is fast, with rapid wingbeats.

Food consists of worms, insects and small invertebrates.

Breeding

The birds reach their breeding grounds (upland moorland and boggy areas) in March and April, where they form pairs and establish territories. The nest is a hollow in the ground, lined with leaves and small twigs and stems. Sometimes bog hummocks are preferred as nesting sites. The clutch is of three or four eggs, which the female incubates alone, being relieved by the male when she goes off to feed. The male also acts as guard to the nest, standing upright on a nearby tussock. Should any would-be intruder come close, he will try to distract it and lead it away from the nest.

Hatching normally takes around 27 days, and there is only one brood in a season.

From September onwards, golden plovers move back down to lower ground, accumulating in large flocks on farmland, often accompanied by lapwings.

© John Welford