Habitat

Nests in lowlands, both coastal and for varying distances into interior, but not high in mountains. Breeds on open, relatively dry heath tundra (dwarf shrub meadow of Kessel 1989). Where tundra varies from low and wet to higher and drier, latter preferred (Brandt 1943, Holmes and Black 1973). On Victoria I., prefers gravelly spots atop ridges and hills or gentle slopes between there and dry peaty areas or hummocky wet tundra; on Jenny Lind I., lowest gravelly, sandy, or peaty exposures adjacent to, and often surrounded by, marsh tundra (Parmelee et al. 1967). On Bylot I., breeds on driest, most exposed ridges, river banks, or exposed beaches, within 1.6 km of the sea (Drury 1961). Habitat nearly bare and raised above more richly vegetated flats on Bathurst I. (Mayfield 1973).

Common plants of breeding habitat include shrubs (Betula nana, Cassiope tetragona, Empetrum nigrum, Ledum groenlandicum, Salix arctica, S. reticulata, Vaccinium parviflorum, V. vitis-idaea), forbs (Arenaria rubella, Astragalus richardsonii, Braya purpurascens, Draba cinerea, Dryas integrifolia, Oxytropis arctobia, O. maydelliana, Papaver radicatum, Pedicularis capitata, P. lanata, Polygonum viviparum, Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. tricuspidata), grasses and sedges (Carex misandra, C. rupestris, C. scirpoidea, Hierochloe alpina, Kobresia myosuroides, Luzula confusa, Poa arctica), and lichens (Alectoria nigricans, Caloplaca elegans, Cetraria nivalis, Cladonia spp., Evernia perfragilis, Stereocaulon paschale, Thamnolia vermicularis) (Drury 1961, Parmelee et al. 1967, Holmes and Black 1973, Hussell and Page 1976).

In general, North American breeding habitats similar to those of both American and Pacific golden-plovers, often in proximity (DRP). Nests on higher tundra than American Golden-Plover on Victoria I., but on lower tundra on Banks and Jenny Lind islands and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Manning et al. 1956, Parmelee et al. 1967, Holmes and Black 1973).

Primarily same as winter habitat, although many birds move through interior, so fresh water by necessity: primarily margins of large lakes and reservoirs, but also flooded fields. Often occurs with other Pluvialis (both American and Pacific golden-plovers) during migration.

Coastal beaches and estuaries throughout range. Sandy to muddy substrates, typically hard enough so that running is facilitated; also rocky areas at times. Deep tidal creeks prominent feature of many favored flats, especially of territorial birds in England (Townshend et al. 1984). Commonly uses flooded pastures and agricultural land near sea, especially at high tide and during periods of heavy rains, when it may preferentially forage in uplands (Page et al. 1979). Rarely together with congeners.

High-tide roosting habitats include upperparts of beaches, open areas (dunes, pastures) on islands and mainland, and salt marshes. Roosts in mangrove trees in tropics, favored situation in some areas, also commonly on pilings and rocks.