Overview of golden plover welfare, upland breeding ecology, and lowland wintering.
Golden plover welfare spans upland breeding and lowland wintering habitats with distinct welfare requirements. Upland breeding welfare requires appropriate moorland management and freedom from disturbance and persecution. Lowland wintering welfare depends on wet grassland and pasture availability. Spectacular wintering flocks demonstrate the importance of lowland wetland habitats for winter energy acquisition. Conservation actions in both upland and lowland habitats are needed.