American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), agricultural fields east of Yuma, Yuma County

This American Golden-Plover was found and photographed by Henry Detwiler on 10 April 2017

Casual migrant (less than 50 records for the state), particularly in spring. If accepted by the ABC this would be a first record for Yuma County.

The following points, taken as a whole, identify this bird as an American Golden-Plover 1) Thinner, more delicate bill than Black-bellied Plover 2) The extension of the primaries beyond the folded tail is considerably longer in this bird than in Black-bellied 3) The hint of a gray wash to the auriculars supports American Golden-Plover (as opposed to Pacific Golden-Plover) 4) Bold supercilium, which contrasts sharply with dark cap 5) Mottled grayish markings on belly and flanks, as opposed to distinct, clean white belly of a Black-bellied.

10 April 2017, photo by Henry Detwiler

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