Grey Plover
Name
Grey plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Family
Charadriidae
Length
30 cm
Appearance
The size, high forehead, short bill and long legs distinguishes the grey plover from other waders. The rump is white and the bill and legs black. In summer plumage the chin to the lower belly are totally black bordered by a broad white margin. The back and wings are spotted black and white. In winter they are a plain grey above with a speckled chest and belly.
Grey Plover Call
The call is a pleasant far-carrying ‘tlui-tlui’.
Grey Plover Migration
The grey plover is a summer migrant from the Palaearctic (Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas) to South Africa’s salt water marshes, tidal mud-flats and lagoons. They will remain at the warmer western coast during the winter.
Grey Plover Diet
The grey plover forage for small molluscs, crustaceans and insects on beaches and tidal flats.
Grey Plover Breeding
The grey plover does not breed in the south-western Cape.
Habitat
The grey plover is seen singly or in flocks on tidal flats, secluded seashores and occasionally inland in South Africa.
Grey Plover Status
The grey plover is of least concern and a common summer visitor.
Where they are found
In South Africa the grey plover is found along the entire south-western Cape coastline.
