A large, heavily built plover with a short, stout bill. It breeds in the Arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant, with a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when not breeding.
Scientific Name: Pluvialis squatarola
Creole name: Plivye Sann
Wingspan: 71-83cm.
Population in Seychelles: Unknown
World Distribution: Breeding habitat is Arctic islands and coastal areas across the northern coasts of Alaska, Canada, and Russia.
Habitat: sandy coastlines and islands, intertidal sandflats and mudflats, estuaries, lagoons and exposed coral reefs. migrate to winter in coastal areas throughout the world.
Nests: Shallow gravel scrape.
Eggs: 3-4 eggs
Diet: Forage for food on beaches and tidal flats, usually by sight. The food consists of small molluscs, polychaete worms, crustaceans, and insects.
Identification: Non-breeding season – grey above, with a grey-speckled breast and white belly. In breeding season, shows striking black face and belly.
See more
Species Fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone
(Photo credit: Liz-Mwambui)