Taxonomy
Pluvialis apricaria | European Golden Plover | Feadóg bhuí
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Golden Plover is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. Additionally, an increasing global population trend was noted.
Species Biology
Identification
The Golden Plover is a
medium-sized plover with a conspicuous summer plumage consisting of black and
gold flecks along the body.
The underparts are black (more
prominent on males) with the black strip extending up the chest and throat and
stopping just under the eye.
Winter adults have no black
underparts and look a uniform light brown colour.
The wings are narrow and end in a
fine point.
Could be confused with the larger
Grey Plover.
The Golden Plover stands at 26-29
cm in length with a wingspan of 67-76 cm and a weight range of 160-280 grams.
Diet
The Golden Plover is omnivorous
but will primarily feed on invertebrates such as earthworms and beetles. If
available, plant material such as fruits, grasses and seeds will also be
consumed.
Habitat
Golden Plover breed in the
blanket bogs on the west and North West.
In winter they occur in a variety
of coastal and inland habitats, and can sometimes be seen in very large flocks.
Reproduction
The female lays a clutch of four eggs,
each weighing approximately 33 grams, from early-April to early-June. These
eggs will be incubated for a period of 28-31 days.
The young will fledge after 25-33
days.
A typical wild Golden Plover has
a life expectancy of around four years with breeding occurring after the first
year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Golden Plover visits Ireland
from France and Iberia during the summer months. Additionally, a small number
of individuals are thought to stay in Ireland all year.
Breeding populations are
restricted to the north-western reaches of the country. Winter migrants can be
found across most of the country in contrast to the restricted breeding range.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/golden-plover/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/golden-plover/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob4850.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693727/86551440