Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola ‡

Cairns Foreshore, FN Qld IMG_0277 20191206 - muddy, in non-breeding plumage. Tiny rear toe visible.
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Notes: AKA Black-bellied Plover. Largest coastal plover, cf Pacific Golden Plover: larger, squarer
head, longer heavier bill, more horizontal stance. Tiny rear toe; white rump & undertail coverts;
unique black axillaries. Female breeding has smaller white spotting above. Adult non-breeding is
grey-brown above, mottled by whitish spots along feather edges. Juvenile has complex pattern
of pale dots all over upperparts, heavily streaked breast & sides.

Range from eBird©(last 10 years). Migrates from high Arctic (Aug–Sep), leaves Aust. (Mar–Apr).