American Golden Plover

3 days ago

Not yet spotted on Fladder

The American Golden Plover is a medium-sized plover, very similar in appearance to the Pacific Golden Plover, renowned for its incredible long-distance migratory flights between the Arctic and southern South America.

Where to spot

Breeds in Arctic tundra of North America, migrating primarily through central North America and wintering mainly in the grasslands of southern South America. Found in tundra, prairies, agricultural fields, and coastal areas during migration.

How to spot

Very similar to the Pacific Golden Plover; distinguishing them often requires careful observation of body shape, primary projection, and call. American Golden Plover tends to be slightly stockier. Listen for its distinctive, whistled 'queedle' call.

When to spot

Best seen during migration (spring and autumn) as they pass through vast interior North America, or during the Northern Hemisphere winter in their South American wintering grounds.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Best seen during migration (spring and autumn) as they pass through vast interior North America, or during the Northern Hemisphere winter in their South American wintering grounds.

Credits: Door O. W. Johnson - Fish and Wildlife Service (dead link; archive), Publiek domein, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=706659

The American Golden Plover boasts one of the longest migratory routes of any bird, embarking on a roughly 32,000 km (20,000 mi) round trip flight annually from the Arctic to southern South America and back.

Spotted Information Sounds Comments