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Snowy Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Snowy Plover Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A small plover of beaches and barren ground, the Snowy Plover can be found across North and South America, Eurasia, and Africa. In North America it is restricted to the Gulf and Pacific coasts of the United States, and scattered inland localities from Saskatchewan to California and Texas.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small shorebird.
  • Legs moderately long.
  • Neck short.
  • Back pale tan.
  • Underparts white.
  • Dark patches on sides of neck reaching around onto top of chest.
  • Legs dark.

Immature Description

Similar to nonbreeding adult, but with scaly pale edging on back feathers.

Range Map Help

Snowy Plover Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Piping Plover has a short, sometimes orange-based bill, a more rounded, "cuter" profile, yellow legs, a thicker chestband, lacks a dark cheek during breeding, and shows a white band across top of tail in flight.
  • Killdeer is larger and has two distinct chest bands.
  • Wilson's Plover is larger, darker on the back, has a thick, complete chestband, and a large, thick bill.
  • Semipalmated Plover has a darker back, yellowish legs, a short and thicker bill that is yellow-based during breeding, and a more rounded, "cuter" profile.