Plovers & Lapwings in United Kingdom

8 species matching this filter.

All birds in United KingdomView family page

The United Kingdom is home to six species of plovers and lapwings, found across a diverse range of habitats from upland moorlands to coastal mudflats and shingle beaches. The Northern Lapwing, with its distinctive crest and tumbling display flight, is one of the most iconic farmland birds in Britain, while the Dotterel is a scarce and sought-after mountain-nesting species. Coastal estuaries and beaches provide vital wintering and breeding grounds for species such as the Golden Plover, Grey Plover, and both Ringed and Little Ringed Plover.

Little Ringed Plover
Little Ringed PloverSmallest · 14cm
to
Northern Lapwing
Northern LapwingLargest · 31cm
Ranges from the Little Ringed Plover (14cm) to the Northern Lapwing (31cm)4 year-round residents
American Golden-Plover

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominicaLC

A rare Nearctic vagrant, mainly recorded in autumn on western coasts and islands. Often found among flocks of Golden Plovers.

Jun–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Dotterel

Dotterel

Eudromias morinellusLC

A rare passage migrant pausing on high ground in spring and autumn, with a tiny breeding population in the Scottish Highlands.

May–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Golden Plover

Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricariaLC

Breeds on upland moorlands in summer and forms large flocks on lowland farmland in winter. A common and widespread resident.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Grey Plover

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarolaLC

An uncommon but regular visitor to estuaries and mudflats, mainly from autumn through spring. Breeds in the high Arctic and passes through on migration.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Little Ringed Plover

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubiusLC

A summer breeding visitor favouring gravel pits, reservoirs and river shingle. Arrives from March and departs by early autumn.

Mar–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellusNT

A common resident of farmland and wetland margins, with numbers boosted by continental arrivals in winter. Breeding populations have declined sharply.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Pacific Golden-Plover

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulvaLC

A rare vagrant from Asia, occasionally turning up on coastal grasslands and estuaries in summer. Easily confused with the commoner Golden Plover.

Jun–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticulaLC

A common resident of sandy and shingle beaches, also found on inland gravel pits. Numbers increase in autumn and winter with arrivals from the Continent.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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