American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica), Lyman Lake State Park, Apache County

This American Golden-Plover was found and photographed by Cathy Beck on 15 October 2018

Casual migrant (less than 50 records for the state).

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 underparts, white supercilium and structure of the bird. Heard giving a single syllable wit call on the ground and repeatedly in the air when it flew away.

15 October 2018, photo by Cathy Beck

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