Pluvialis

Grey Plover ( P. squatarola ) in breeding plumage

Pluvialis is a genus of birds of the family of plovers.

Features

The species of the genus have a lapwing -like physique. They have a high chest and a steeply sloping back. The neck is longer than that of the Charadrius species, the small head is flattened on the upper side. The species have a thin, slightly thickened at the end of beak and large black, of a dark Lidring Surrounded eyes. The abdomen, the chest, the anterior neck and face are black in breeding plumage. These dark areas are framed by a white band, it stretches from the forehead over the neck to the chest, with some species from there to the tail. The top of the head, the neck and the wings are mottled dark to yellow - gray background in finishing this dress plovers are on the top gray or brownish, the abdomen such as the face and throat bright, the youth dress similar to the dress very simplicity. The legs and beak are always slate gray.

Way of life

The members of this genus are mostly migratory birds. Enter mostly whistling, sometimes chirping sounds. In the sand, in shallow water or in moss after they poke molluscs, crustaceans, insects and worms. The smaller proportion of food make parts of plants like fruits, seeds and leaves. The nest is mainly incubated by the female. The young are precocial.

Habitat and Distribution

The Pluvialis species inhabit the tundra of northern Asia and North America, they are also found in northern Europe. They spend the winter in Europe, Central Asia, the United States and in northern South America.

Species

We distinguish between the following types:

• Golden Plover ( P. apricaria )
• Grey Plover ( P. squatarola )
• Siberian Golden Plover ( P. fulva )
• Hiking Plover ( P. dominica )

The Siberian golden plover is considered by some authors as a subspecies of migrant plover.