Pluvialis apricaria (Linnaeus, 1758) · kulík zlatý · European Golden Plover

Distribution

European Golden Plover breeds in northern Europe and northwestern Asia in tundra and open uplands. It winters farther south in Europe and around the Mediterranean. It regularly passes through Slovakia in spring and autumn, often with lapwings. It is not a regular breeder here, and winter observations depend on weather.

Habitat

Its breeding habitat has low tundra or upland vegetation. In Slovakia, look mainly on short grassland, pastures, winter crops and freshly cultivated fields. Unlike many sandpipers, it need not remain immediately beside open water.

Breeding

The nest is a discreet lined scrape in low northern vegetation. Both parents incubate usually four eggs. Mobile chicks collect their own food and are brooded by adults in cold weather.

Food

It picks insects, larvae, earthworms and other invertebrates from grass or bare ground. Small flying insects matter for chicks on breeding grounds, with availability influenced by weather.

Interesting fact

Golden spotting on the back is more than decoration: it provides effective camouflage in mottled low vegetation. A flock conspicuous in flight can become surprisingly difficult to find after landing in a field.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia