Black-bellied Plover (GTM Research Reserve Bird Guide)

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

Summary ⁷

The Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), known as the Black-bellied Plover in North America, is a medium-sized plover breeding in arctic regions. It is a long-distance migrant, with a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when not breeding.

Taxon biology ⁸

Grey plovers run incredible amounts back and forth. They search for food by running short distances, pausing constantly as they track down small prey. They then continue their short sprint to pick up what they found. Although you can see grey plovers the entire year in the Netherlands, they don't nest here. They breed on the tundra, north of the timber-line. Should the tundra decrease in size due to climate change, the grey plover is one of the bird species to be affected. The bird could even become extinct. The best chance to see the grey plover in the Netherlands is on the tidal flats during bird migration in August till October and from March through May.