Black-bellied Plover (Birds of Alabama)

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.

Pluvialis squatarola ⁸

A large (10 ½ -13 ½ inches) wader, the male Black-bellied Plover is most easily identified by its mottled gray back and crown, black underparts, and broad white stripe separating the two regions. The female Black-bellied Plover in summer is similar to the male, but is slightly paler, especially on the face. In winter, both sexes are paler overall, becoming mottled gray above and pale below. The Black-bellied Plover occurs across much of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, this species breeds in northern Alaska and northwestern Canada, wintering along the coasts from British Columbia and Massachusetts south to southern South America. In the Old World, the Black-bellied Plover breeds along the arctic coast of Russia, wintering south to Western and Southern Europe, South and Southeast Asia, and Australasia. Black-bellied Plovers breed on dry, sparsely-vegetated tundra habitats. In winter and on migration, this species utilizes a variety of coastal habitats, including sandy beaches, estuaries, and mudflats. Black-bellied Plovers primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects, earthworms, mollusks, and crustaceans. Due to its remote breeding range, many birdwatchers are only familiar with this species during the winter months. In suitable habitat, individuals may be seen foraging for food by probing the mud with their bills. This species is known to be territorial on its summer and winter ranges, but gathers in small flocks during migration. Black-bellied Plovers are primarily active during the day.

Threat Status: Least concern