Length: 12 inches | Wingspan: 24 inches | Seasonality: Migrant |
ID Keys: Short thick black bill, black wingpit and white rump and tail in flight. Breeding birds rich black and white, non-breeding in earth tones and much duller |
The
Black-bellied Plover can be found on six different continents during the
winter season, but breeds only on Arctic tundra. Most migrate
southward along the coastlines, but small numbers move through the interior
of the continent, where they may stop to forage in bare agricultural fields.
They are the largest of the North American plovers. Note the bird to
the right is in non-breeding plumage. Birds in breeding plumage are
much more richly colored and patterned, with a black-belly offset by white
rump, cap, and neck, and a boldly patterned back and wings.
2) WhatBird - Black-bellied Plover
3) Audubon Guide - Black-bellied Plover
Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view |
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South Dakota Status: Uncommon migrant throughout the state. |