Grey Plover

📍 Local Expert Tip

“A handful of birds can be seen most winters around the Adur Estuary and Goring Gap and Worthing beaches. A distinctive white-headed individual returned for at least five years from 2020 to the Adur Estuary favouring the section north of the Railway Bridge.”

🔍 Overview

A robust, medium-large wader known for its upright stance and striking seasonal plumage.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (27–33 cm)

Breeding Plumage: Speckled black and white

Non‑breeding: Plain grey upperparts

Distinctive Marks: Thick neck, stout build

Bill: Short

Flight: Fast and direct

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Mostly at coastal mudflats, saltmarshes, and sandy shores during migration periods. Good numbers can be found along Sussex coasts especially Pagham and Chichester Harbours but locally relatively scarce.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

High-pitched “pee-oo” call.

🍴 Diet

Worms, marine invertebrates, small molluscs.

📸 Birding Tip

Scan mixed plover flocks at high tide; golden plover often accompany them.