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Latin name

Charadrius morinellus

Family

Plovers and lapwings (Charadriidae)

Overview

This medium-sized member of the plover family is unusual in that the adult female is brighter than the male - an indication of their role-reversal in raising the young. Adults have largely grey-brown upperparts and bright chestnut belly, with a white chest band, throat and eyestripe, the latter contrasting with a dark cap. On spring migration they are often seen in groups, or 'trips', at traditional stopping places.

Where to see them

In summer found only on Scotland's high tops. Best looked for on spring and autumn migration. Spring groups are usually seen at traditional stopping points, especially in Eastern England.

When to see them

They arrive from mid-April to mid-May and leave breeding areas in July and August. Autumn passage birds are usually seen in August and September.

What they eat

Insects and worms

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

3 illustrations 123

Adult male summer

Adult female

Juvenile

Similar birds

Golden plover