The Eurasian Golden Plover breeds in arctic and sub-arctic latitudes of Europe, northern Siberia and eastern Greenland as well as in moorland and peat bogs generally above the tree line in such places as Scotland and northern England. During the winter they migrate southwards but mainly within Europe although some groups reach northern and West Africa. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

They form fairly large flocks in winter and are quite nervous, taking to the air frequently and showing a rather faint, narrow, whitish wing-bar.

The first 2 photos show the non-breeding plumage where there is no black. The 3rd photo shows two males in breeding plumage. They have acquired black on the cheeks, down the central throat and chest and onto the belly. This is surrounded by white. These birds show a rather washed out black indicating that they are the "southern" variant. "Northern" males show a much deeper black.