About the Piping Plover
The piping plover is a small, sand-colored shorebird that nests and feeds along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. The adult has yellow-orange-red legs, a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black stripe running along the breast line. This chest band is usually thicker in males during the breeding season, and it is the only reliable way to tell the sexes apart. The bird is difficult to see when it is standing still, as it blends well with open, sandy beach habitats. It typically runs in short, quick spurts and then stops.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The piping plover is a stout bird with a large rounded head, a short thick neck, and a stubby bill. It is a sand-colored, dull gray/khaki, sparrow-sized shorebird. The adult has yellow-orange legs, the male has a prominent black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black ring around the neck during the breeding season. The band on the female's brow is much fainter. During nonbreeding season, the black bands become less pronounced. Its bill is orange with a black tip. It ranges from 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in) in length, with a wingspan of 35–41 cm (14–16 in) and a mass of 42–64 g (1.5–2. Voice: The piping plover's light call is a soft, whistled peep peep given by standing and flying birds. Its frequently heard alarm call is a soft pee-werp, which the second syllable lower pitched.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica, Anguilla, Martinique.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Common Ringed PloverCharadrius hiaticulaAdults are 17–19.5 cm (6.7–7.7 in) in length with a 35–41 cm (14–16 in) wingspan.
Semipalmated PloverCharadrius semipalmatusThis species weighs a mean 47.4 g (1.7 oz.) for males and 46.1 g (1.6 oz.) for females, with body masses ranging from 37.6-54.7 g (1.3-1.9 oz.). and measures 17–19 cm (6.7–7.5 in) in length with a 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) mean wing length.
KilldeerCharadrius vociferusThe killdeer is a tall and slender plover, with a relatively long tail.
Side by side: Killdeer vs Piping Plover · Piping Plover vs Semipalmated Plover · Common Ringed Plover vs Piping Plover
Learn the Piping Plover for real
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