Western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus)

Conservation Threats and Actions Needed

• Habitat loss or degradation 
  • Threat: Human disturbance; beach walkers, pets, cars.
  • Action Needed: Continue efforts to reduce disturbance to areas used by plovers. 
  • Threat: Degradation of habitat.
  • Action Needed: Continue programs to enhance nesting habitat by removing beach grass in key areas.
• Invasive and other problematic species and genes
  • Threat: Nest predation by corvids.   
  • Action Needed: Control nest predation; continue ongoing predator management program.  
• Resource information collection needs  
  • Threat: Ongoing surveys and nesting area protection measures.
  • Action Needed: Continue annual surveys conducted during breeding and winter periods.

See the Climate vulnerability section above for information about the threats posed by climate change to this species.

Our Conservation Efforts

WDFW has conducted monitoring surveys and research of the snowy plover population in Washington for multiple decades in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2013, a predator management strategy that included direct hazing and removal of crows and ravens, the main nest predators, was initiated on Washington nesting beaches and may be contributing to improved nesting and fledging success in recent years.

According to the Washington State Recovery Plan for the Snowy Plover, the species will be considered for down listing to threatened when the state supports a 4-year average of at least 25 breeding pairs that fledge an average of at least one young per adult male per year at two or more nesting areas with “secure” habitat.

In 2015, the 4-year average attained 26 breeding pairs at the two main sites for the first time in many years, and they averaged >1.0 fledgling/male in 2011, 2014, and 2015. In 2015, an estimated 69 to 77 chicks fledged, the highest number since formal surveys began in 2007.

As of 2021, the Washington population consists of less than 100 adult birds, and is dependent on immigration from Oregon. A population viability analysis suggested that the West Coast population would not reach the recovery objective of 3,000 individuals identified in the federal recovery plan, without additional habitat restoration. As a result, control of beach grass and management to reduce human disturbance are ongoing. Although the snowy plover population in the region appears to be increasing as a result of management actions in Washington and Oregon, the species in Washington is still state listed as endangered.

Watch this video about the life history of snowy plovers and species recovery efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the State of Oregon and learn what people can do to share the beach with this special bird.