The American Golden Plover is a medium-sized shorebird that measures about 9-11 inches in length and has a wingspan of 22-26 inches. It has a brownish-black back with golden-brown speckles and a white underbelly. During breeding season, it has a black face and throat with a white stripe above the eye. In non-breeding season, its face and throat are pale and its speckles are less prominent. It has a short, stout bill and long, pointed wings. It is known for its long-distance migration, traveling from its breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to its wintering grounds in South America.
Characteristics and Facts About American Golden Plover
1. Medium-sized bird, measuring around 9-11 inches in length.
2. Has a wingspan of approximately 20-24 inches.
3. Plumage is mostly brown with black spots on the back and wings.
4. Has a distinctive black and white striped head pattern.
5. Bill is short and dark in color.
6. Legs are relatively long and yellow in color.
7. Breeds in the Arctic tundra and migrates to South America for the winter.
8. Feeds on insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.
9. Known for its distinctive whistling call.
10. Listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).