Snowy Plover
© Blair Witherington
The diminutive Snowy Plover is a year-round resident of undisturbed, Gulf Coast beaches. This well-camouflaged species nests on large sandy beaches between April and July, laying three eggs (sometimes more) in a shallow scrape. They are easier to find in winter when they form small flocks and mingle with other shorebird species, particularly other plovers. Their diet includes insects, worms, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Due to habitat loss and disturbance, the Snowy Plover is listed as a threatened species in Florida. As the incubating females and nests are difficult to detect, the eggs and chicks are vulnerable to trampling by pedestrians and vehicles on beaches.
For more information, including a range map and sound recording, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website.
Recommended GFBWT sites:
- Cayo Costa State Park
- Fort De Soto Park
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: Fort Pickens Area
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: Perdido Key Area
- Henderson Beach State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area
- Lovers Key State Park
- St. George Island State Park
-
Tigertail Beach
Bird's habitat
In Florida, the Snowy Plover is predominantly found on Gulf Coast beaches and nearby mudflats.
