About the European Golden Plover
The European golden plover, also known as the Eurasian golden plover, greater golden plover, or just the golden plover within Europe, is a relatively large species of plover. This species is similar to two other golden plovers, the American golden plover, Pluvialis dominica, and Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva, which are both slightly smaller, slimmer and longer-legged than European golden plover, and both have grey rather than white axillary (armpit) feathers.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The European golden plover is quite thickset, with its wings only being slightly longer than its tail. Its most distinct feature is a white "s"-shaped band stretching from its forehead to its flanks.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the European Golden Plover sounds like
Where the European Golden Plover lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Luxembourg, China, Qatar, Senegal, India, Japan.
When to see the European Golden Plover
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Pacific Golden PloverPluvialis fulvaAdults are about 25 cm (9.8 in) long with a wingspan averaging 61 cm (24 in) At their lightest, fat free, the birds weigh around 135 g (4.8 oz) In March, the birds begin gaining weight.
American Golden PloverPluvialis dominicaMeasurements:
Length: 24–28 cm (9+1⁄2–11 in)
Weight: 122–194 g (4+5⁄16–6+13⁄16 oz)
Wingspan: 65–67 cm (25+1⁄2–26+1⁄2 in)
The breeding adult American golden plover has a black face, neck, breast, and belly, with a white crown and nape that extends to the side of the breast.
Grey PloverPluvialis squatarolaThe grey plover is 27–30 cm (11–12 in) long with a wingspan of 71–83 cm (28–33 in) and a weight of 190–280 g (6.7–9.9 oz) (up to 345 g (12.2 oz) in preparation for migration).
Side by side: European Golden Plover vs Grey Plover · European Golden Plover vs Pacific Golden Plover · American Golden Plover vs European Golden Plover
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