European Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_golden_plover
Overview
The European golden plover, also known as the Eurasian 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.
The European Golden Plover faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat loss from agricultural intensification and afforestation of its breeding moorlands and tundra. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward while coastal development and disturbance threaten critical wintering and stopover sites along migration routes.
Habitat
Breeds on upland moorlands, peatlands, and Arctic tundra with short vegetation and scattered pools. Winters on coastal mudflats, estuaries, short grasslands, and agricultural fields, particularly favoring areas with soft substrates for foraging.
Other threatened species in Charadriidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is European Golden Plover classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does European Golden Plover live?
What are the main threats to European Golden Plover?
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