Black-bellied & Grey Plover Facts

Name: Black-bellied (or Grey) Plover
Family: Charadriidae
Scientific name: Pluvialis squatarola
Length: 29 cm (11.4 in)
Weight: 5.6 - 9.8 ounces (160 - 277 grams)

Category: Shore Birds
Number of Species: 28
Endemic Species: 19

In total, 21 species of water birds have been recorded in Galapagos, 10 of which are endemic to the Islands. Thirty-Four species of shore birds have been recorded in Galapagos, only 2 of which are endemic.

Category: Plovers
Six species of Plovers have been recorded in Galapagos: 2 migrants and 4 vagrants. Plovers are small to medium-sized, compact shorebirds with rather short necks; short, straight bills; and moderately long legs. They are readily told from other shorebirds by their behavior, which involves periods of fast walking or running with sudden stops.

The species recorded in Galapagos are from two distinct genera: the Charadrius plovers are small and characterized by the presence of breast-bands, whereas the Pluvialis plovers are medium-sized and show black bellies in breeding plumage (although in non-breeding plumage they are relatively uniform grey or brown).

Regular migrant of Galapagos, recorded throughout the year and commonly seen during a Galapagos cruise. Occurs in small numbers, mostly on sandy beaches.

Identification:
A plump, medium-sized wader with short, stout bill. ADULT BREEDING: Under parts jet-black from face to belly, separated from spangled grey and silver upper parts by broad white stripe on side of neck. ADULT NON-BREEDlNG / JUVENILE FIRST-WINTER: Grey-brown upper parts, spotted white (buffin juvenile); pale-brown under parts. Distinctive black 'armpits' in flight.

Voice:
Flight call is a loud, three-note whistle: "Pee-oo-wee".

Up-close with a Grey Plover