Black-bellied Plover
ダイゼン
Scientific name: Pluvialis squatarola
Other English name: Grey Plover
The Black-bellied Plover is a large migratory shorebird. In Japanese it is called ダイゼン / Daizen. In breeding plumage, it has a striking black face, throat, chest, and belly, with white sides and silver-gray spotted upperparts. In winter plumage, it becomes much paler and gray-brown, so it can look very different from the summer bird.
In Japan, the Black-bellied Plover is mainly seen as a passage migrant and winter visitor. It uses tidal flats, sandy shores, mudflats, estuaries, coastal wetlands, river mouths, and sometimes nearby rice fields or wet open ground. It often stands upright and alert, then runs quickly to catch small prey.
Habitat: Tidal flats, mudflats, sandy shores, estuaries, river mouths, coastal wetlands
Range in Japan: Mainly coastal areas across Japan during migration and winter
Diet: Marine worms, small crabs, shellfish, insects, small crustaceans, and other shore invertebrates
Season: Passage migrant and winter visitor; most often seen from autumn to spring
Size: About 27–30 cm
Nesting: Does not breed in Japan; breeds in Arctic tundra regions
Behavior: Runs and stops while feeding; very alert; often seen alone or in small groups on open flats
Conservation: Migratory shorebird; depends on healthy tidal flats, estuaries, and undisturbed coastal feeding areas
The Black-bellied Plover is a strong and elegant shorebird seen in Japan mainly during migration and winter. In summer plumage it has a bold black belly and face, while in winter it becomes soft gray-brown and more subtle. The ダイゼン is usually found on tidal flats, estuaries, sandy shores, and river mouths, where it feeds on small crabs, worms, shellfish, and other coastal invertebrates. It is a true long-distance migrant and one of Japan’s classic winter shorebirds.
Grey Plover ダイゼン
The Grey Plover, also known as the Black-bellied Plover, is a medium-sized
shorebird seen in Japan mainly during migration and winter. It is often
found on tidal flats, sandy beaches, estuaries, mudflats, coastal lagoons,
and open shorelines. In breeding plumage it shows a bold black belly and
face, while in winter it becomes softer gray above and pale below.
Calm and alert, this plover walks across open mud and sand, stopping often
to watch for prey before making a quick run or peck. It feeds on worms,
small crabs, shellfish, insects, and other tiny coastal animals. Its strong
flight and clear calls are familiar sights and sounds along Japan’s winter
shorelines.
Category
Plovers, Shorebirds, Waders
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Tidal Flats, Sandy Beaches, Estuaries, Mudflats, Coastal Lagoons
Region
Japan in Migration and Winter, Arctic Breeding Range, Worldwide Coasts
Behavior
Shoreline Foraging, Stop-and-run Feeding, Strong Flight, Winter Migration
Population
Regular Migrant and Winter Visitor in Suitable Coastal Habitat
ダイゼン Grey Plover
ダイゼンは、別名 Black-bellied Plover とも呼ばれる中型のチドリの仲間で、
日本では主に渡りの時期や冬に見られます。干潟、砂浜、河口、泥地、
沿岸の潟、開けた海岸などに生息します。夏羽では顔から腹にかけて黒くなり、
冬羽では上面が灰色っぽく、下面は淡い色になります。
落ち着いた動きで泥や砂の上を歩き、立ち止まって獲物を探したあと、
すばやく走ってついばむ行動を見せます。ゴカイ、小さなカニ、貝類、
昆虫、その他の小さな海岸の生き物を食べます。力強い飛行と澄んだ声は、
日本の冬の海岸でよく親しまれる姿です。
Category
チドリ科、 shorebirds、水辺の鳥
Habitat
干潟、砂浜、河口、泥地、沿岸の潟、開けた海岸
Region
渡り・冬の日本、北極圏で繁殖、世界各地の海岸
Behavior
海岸で採食、走って止まる採食、力強い飛行、冬の渡り
Population
適した海岸環境では渡り鳥・冬鳥として定期的に見られる
