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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Snowy Plover

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Name

Snowy Plover

Scientific Name

(Charadrius nivosus)

Why they are special:
  • A small, pale shorebird often found on Florida’s sandy beaches, dunes, and salt flats.

  • Known for its camouflage and quiet foraging, blending almost seamlessly into the sand.
Size and color:
  • Small plover, 6–7 inches long with a wingspan of 13–15 inches.

  • Pale sandy upperparts, white underparts, black forehead markings, and dark legs.

  • Short dark bill and subtle eye stripe; males show slightly more contrast during breeding.
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident in some coastal areas, more abundant during winter and migration.
Habitat:
  • Sandy beaches, dunes, tidal flats, salt pans, and estuarine shorelines.

  • Often forages in the wet sand near the waterline.
Diet:
  • Feed on small crustaceans, insects, and marine worms, picked from the sand.
Behavior:
  • Forages in a stop-and-run fashion; easily camouflaged against sand.

  • Nest in shallow scrapes above the high tide line, often using small shells and debris for cover.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are stable but vulnerable to human disturbance and predators on nesting beaches.

  • Protected areas and signage during breeding help ensure reproductive success.
Best time to see:
  • Winter and breeding season, especially on lightly used sandy beaches.
Fun Fact:
  • Snowy Plovers are masters of camouflage, often crouching motionless to avoid detection by predators and beachgoers.
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