European Golden Plover

During spring and autumn, large flocks of migratory birds can be observed in the Wadden and the Baltic Seas. The European golden plover is one of them. Both males and females have a similar plumage, while the male is somewhat more striking. The basic plumage is an inconspicuous grey-brownish colour in contrast to the breeding plumage. In the latter, one may admire a wonderful dense gold, white-and-black speckled back, the belly and face are encircled with white and black streaking bands. The female plumage has fewer contrasts. During flight, the white shoulders are noticeable. Golden plovers prefer to reside in open landscapes that afford good vantage points, such as marshlands and swamps, heather, wetlands and mountainous areas with short grass and low shrub layer. During their migration, they stopover in fields and marshes, including salt marshes. Golden plovers display characteristic predatory habits for their species. They stand upright and “scout”, whereupon they suddenly start running and, while searching, dart quickly back and forth. They peck their prey from the ground, which includes insects, worms, and snails. Their diet also includes berries and seeds. A typical clutch comprises 4 yellow brown, darkly mottled eggs laid in a scrape nest and lightly insulated with plant parts. Potential predators are actively lured away using a distraction display. This involves running away from the actual nest and standing still somewhere else imitating a pretend nest. The Golden Plover is listed in Appendix I of the Birds Directive and is strictly protected in Germany under the Federal Species Protection Ordinance; it is also classified as a so-called national responsibility species (i.e. Germany bears special responsibility for protection and conservation) under the Federal Government's National Strategy on Biological Diversity.