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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Wilson's Plover

Charadrius wilsonia ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Wilson

© Cleber

A medium-sized plover of ocean beaches, the Wilson's Plover has a single chest band and a large, thick bill. The large bill helps it catch and eat larger prey items than other plovers on the beach.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized shorebird.
  • Legs moderately long.
  • Neck short.
  • Back brown.
  • Underparts white with one thick black or brown band on chest.

Immature Description

Similar to nonbreeding adult, but with less distinct breast band and scaly pale edging on back feathers.

Range Map Help

Wilson
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding
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    Wilson's Plover

    Adult breeding
    • © Kevin T. Karlson
  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Wilson's Plover

    Adult nonbreeding
    • © William L. Newton / CLO

Similar Species

  • Killdeer is larger and has two distinct chest bands.
  • Semipalmated Plover is smaller, has yellowish legs, a short bill that is yellow-based during breeding, and a more rounded, "cuter" profile.
  • Snowy Plover is smaller, has a pale back, and a short, thin bill.
  • Piping Plover is smaller, has a pale back, a short, sometimes orange-based bill, and a more rounded, "cuter" profile.

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