European Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

Scarce & local breeder of 23,000 pairs on moorland in the highlands of Scotland & Northern England, mainly Yorkshire.

Also breeds on Tundra bogs in Northern Europe to Central Siberia & Iceland.

Common in Winter around the coasts & farmlands in Britain, Western Europe to the Mediterranean & the Persian Gulf.

Adults are quite thickset, with its wings only being slightly longer than its tail.

Its most distinct feature is a white "s"-shaped band stretching from its forehead to its flanks.

Its flight action is rapid and powerful, with regular wingbeats.

The call is  a monosyllabic, slightly descending, melancholic "tuu".