American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), Liberty, Maricopa County

This American Golden-Plover was found and photographed by Caleb Strand on 13 April 2013

Casual migrant (less than 50 records for the state, including about 24 since the start of the ABC), particularly in spring.

The similar Black-bellied Plover is eliminated by this bird's thin bill, dark cap, long wings, and relatively long legs. 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 there being no golden or bright buffy feathering anywhere on the plumage.

13 April 0013, photo by Caleb Strand

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