Piping Plover

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Near Threatened

With its gentle peeping calls and distinctive black bands, the Piping Plover is a charming presence on North America's sandy beaches and lakeshores. As a small and delicate member of the plover family, this endearing bird scuttles along the shoreline, its sandy plumage and lively behavior making it a captivating sight amidst the continent's diverse coastal avian life.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Grey

Primary Color (female)

Grey

Primary Color (juvenile)

Grey

Secondary Colors

Black, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Black, White

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Brown, White

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Grey

Wing Color (female)

Grey

Wing Color (juvenile)

Grey

Beak Type

Short

Beak Color

Orange

Beak Color (female)

Orange

Beak Color (juvenile)

Orange

Leg Color

Orange

Leg Color (female)

Orange

Leg Color (juvenile)

Orange

Distinctive Markings

Black band across the forehead and neck

Distinctive Markings (female)

Less pronounced dark areas and slightly lighter overall

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Lacks black bands

Tail Description

Short, white with black bar at tip

Tail Description (female)

Short, white with black bar at tip

Tail Description (juvenile)

Short, white with brownish bar at tip

Size Metrics

17cm to 18cm

Length

35cm to 40cm

Wingspan

43g to 63g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Soft whistling 'peep'

Call Description

Often heard during flight or when disturbed

Alarm Calls

Rapid series of 'peep' sounds

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening

Social Habits

Pairs during breeding season, otherwise solitary

Territorial Behavior

Defends nesting territories during breeding season

Migratory Patterns

Migrates south for winter, some populations remain year-round in southern parts of range

Interaction with Other Species

Generally avoids interaction with other bird species

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Crustaceans, Worms

Feeding Habits

Forages by pecking at the ground or shallow water

Feeding Times

Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk

Prey Capture Method

Pecking and probing

Diet Variations

Diet varies with location and season

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

Sandy or gravelly beaches, near water

Nest Construction

Shallow scrape in the sand or gravel, lined with small stones or shell fragments

Breeding Season

Late spring to early summer

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One

Egg Appearance

Oval, buff-colored with dark speckles

Egg Size

Approximately 3cm x 2cm

Clutch Characteristics

4 eggs, usually

Incubation Period

Around 25 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 4 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents incubate eggs and care for chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

North America, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast

Habitat Description

Sandy beaches, sandbars, and shores of lakes and rivers

Elevation Range

Sea level

Migration Patterns

Migrates south for winter, some populations remain year-round in southern parts of range

Biome

Marine, Temperate

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

© 2024 - Birdfact