Name
Grey Plover
Latin Name
Pluvialis squatarola
Family
Charadriidae
Length
30 cm
Habitat
Singly or in flocks on tidal flats, secluded seashores; occasionally inland.
Migration
Being a summer migrant from the Palaearctic to salt water marshes, tidal mud-flats and lagoons. Further up the warmer western coast, Grey Plover will remain through the winter.
Bird Call
The Grey Plover call is a pleasant far-carrying 'tlui-tlui'.
Breeding
The Grey Plover does not breed in the south-western Cape.
Adult Description
The size, high forehead, short bill and long legs, distinguishes this Plover from other waders. In summer plumage the underparts from the chin to lower belly are totally black, bordered by a broad white margin; the back is darker so that the white markings show up more. Black spots appear first on the chest and belly.
Status
Common summer visitor, a few all year.
Distribution
Grey Plover occur along the entire south-western Cape coastline.
