American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), Willcox, Cochise County

This American Golden-Plover was found and photographed by Arlene Ripley on 23 March 2016

Casual migrant (less than 50 records for the state), particularly in spring.

The similar Black-bellied Plover is eliminated by this bird's thin bill, dark cap, long wings, and more distinct pale supercilium. Separating this bird from the very similar Pacific Golden-Plover is much more difficult (see here), but there are only two records of Pacific for Arizona (plus a third that is currently circulating). Identification as American Golden-Plover hinges mainly on the duller, grayer plumage; as well as the length of the wings.

23 March 2016, photo by Arlene Ripley

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