PLOVERS

Black-bellied Plover, Pluvialis squatarola

Family Charadriidae (Plovers)

Size: 11"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Open areas, coastal or inland

The Black-bellied Plover is a relatively large plover with long, pointed wings and a whistling flight call. Like other plovers, it feeds by scooting quickly along the ground, stopping suddenly to peck at small prey in the mud or sand, and then scooting along again. Its winter plumage is gray above and paler below, with a white belly. The bill is black, short, and thick. A distinctive black patch on the axillary feathers can be seen in flight. In breeding plumage, it develops the sharply contrasting black belly, face, and front of neck. The nonbreeding adult (top) and breeding adult (bottom) are illustrated.