Pacific Golden Plover Overview
The Pacific golden plover is a migratory shorebird that breeds in Siberia and western Alaska during the summer months. In winter, it travels to islands across the Pacific, including Hawaii, as well as Southeast Asia and northeastern Africa.
In Hawaii, Pacific golden plovers often forage on lawns, fields, beaches and open coastal areas. They nest on the ground in dry, open areas in their breeding range, not in Hawaii.
Plumage, Food and Seasonal Changes
Adult birds have a spotted gold-and-black crown, back and wings. Their face and neck are black with a white border, while the breast and legs are black. In winter, their coloring softens, with a yellowish face and breast and white underparts.
Pacific golden plovers feed on insects, crustaceans and berries. For other Hawaii shorebirds and coastal birds, compare the ruddy turnstone, wandering tattler and black-crowned night heron.
