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.
Grey
Grey
Grey
Black, White
Black, White
Brown, White
Grey
Grey
Grey
Short
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Orange
Black band across the forehead and neck
Less pronounced dark areas and slightly lighter overall
Lacks black bands
Short, white with black bar at tip
Short, white with black bar at tip
Short, white with brownish bar at tip
17cm to 18cm
Length
35cm to 40cm
Wingspan
43g to 63g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Pair of breeding Piping Plovers
Juvenile Piping Plover
Piping Plover chick feeding on insects
Piping Plover in-flight
Female Piping Plover sheltering her young chicks
Portrait of a Piping Plover
Soft whistling 'peep'
Often heard during flight or when disturbed
Rapid series of 'peep' sounds
Active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening
Pairs during breeding season, otherwise solitary
Defends nesting territories during breeding season
Migrates south for winter, some populations remain year-round in southern parts of range
Generally avoids interaction with other bird species
Insects, Crustaceans, Worms
Forages by pecking at the ground or shallow water
Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk
Pecking and probing
Diet varies with location and season
None known
Sandy or gravelly beaches, near water
Shallow scrape in the sand or gravel, lined with small stones or shell fragments
Late spring to early summer
One
Oval, buff-colored with dark speckles
Approximately 3cm x 2cm
4 eggs, usually
Around 25 days
Approximately 4 weeks
Both parents incubate eggs and care for chicks
North America, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast
Sandy beaches, sandbars, and shores of lakes and rivers
Sea level
Migrates south for winter, some populations remain year-round in southern parts of range
Marine, Temperate
Temperate
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.