Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), Willcox Big Pond, Cochise County

This Pacific Golden-Plover was discovered and photographed by Mark Stevenson on 26 June 2009.  Gary Rosenberg also photographed it the same day. 

There is only one accepted record of this species in Arizona, from Western Sod Farm 6-12 August 1998. It is very rare anywhere inland in the Lower 48 states.

Relatively long projection of tertials relative to tail and then short projection of the primaries beyond the tertials and beyond the tip of the tail. Extent of white on the flanks and undertail coverts also supports the identification. The amount of gold spangling on the back is consistent.  See especially sixth photo below. 

See articles on Golden-Plover identification here and here. 

26 June 2009, photos by Mark Stevenson

 

26 June 2009, photos by Gary Rosenberg

 

The photo below clearly shows the very long tertials that reach almost to the tail tip and the short primary projection with only three primary tips (the darker feathers) projecting past them.  American Golden-Plover has shorter tertials and 4-5 primary tips projecting past them. 

27 June 2009, photo by Rick Taylor

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer

Map:

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