Unusually females are more brightly coloured than the males and it is the males who rear the chicks. Upper parts are predominantly grey in adult birds, the breast is a rich chestnut, while the large white “eyebrow” is distinctive. The horizontal white chest “halter” is distinctive, throughout the year. Has a brief undulating piping call. Not to be confused with the similar shaped golden and grey plovers.
A member of the plover family, the dotterel breed in the uplands.
Discover more about the Dotterel
When to see
In summer this bird breeds on the high plateaus in the Highlands and is seen in spring and autumn passage in Fife and East Lothian on pastureland or stubble and in new growing crops.
Did you know?
This bird is confined to a specific habitat and is vulnerable to disturbance by hill walkers. Dogs should be kept under close control when on high tops during spring and summer.
Where to see
Dotterel are found on the high tops of Mountains.
When to see
In summer this bird breeds on the high plateaus in the Highlands and is seen in spring and autumn passage in Fife and East Lothian on pastureland or stubble and in new growing crops.
Did you know?
This bird is confined to a specific habitat and is vulnerable to disturbance by hill walkers. Dogs should be kept under close control when on high tops during spring and summer.
Where to see
Dotterel are found on the high tops of Mountains.
When to see
In summer this bird breeds on the high plateaus in the Highlands and is seen in spring and autumn passage in Fife and East Lothian on pastureland or stubble and in new growing crops.
Did you know?
This bird is confined to a specific habitat and is vulnerable to disturbance by hill walkers. Dogs should be kept under close control when on high tops during spring and summer.
Where to see
Dotterel are found on the high tops of Mountains.
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OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA