American Golden Plover / Black-bellied Plover
Comparison Photos © Bill Schmoker
All photographs copyrighted by the author. Publication-quality 300dpi versions and prints of many of the images contained in this web site are available- inquiries welcomed- email bill@schmoker.org
Juvenile American Golden-Plover (AMGP) (Jackson Reservoir, Morgan County, Colorado, 9/03.) |
Juvenile Black-bellied Plover (BBPL) (Barr Lake, Adams County, Colorado, 9/03.) |
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The juvenile AMGP (left) shows a darker cap, slightly smaller bill, a more defined "ear" spot, and slightly longer wing than the juvenile BBPL (right.) |
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To me, the AMGP (left) is a little more warm-toned. Also, notice the breast pattern of defined light spots on a warm background on the AMGP versus what look more like dark streaks on a pale background in the breast of the BBPL (right.) |
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Of course, if the birds cooperate by flying or lifting their wings, BBPL (right) can be distinguished from Golden-Plovers (AMGP at left) by the dark "armpit" formed by the black axillaries. |
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If you only see the upper surfaces, the BBPL's white tail and prominent white wing stripe (right) distinguish it from Golden-Plovers' dark tail and weak wing stripe (AMGP, left.) |
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