American Golden Plover
Pluvialis dominica
The American Golden Plover is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during spring and autumn, often on coastal wetlands, estuaries, and grasslands. It is an occasional visitor to the country, with most sightings occurring in the western and northern regions.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify American Golden Plover in the field.
The American Golden Plover can be identified by its golden-spangled back, black axillary feathers, and distinctive black stripe running across its forehead, as well as its relatively long legs and straight black bill.
The American Golden Plover is slightly larger than a Ringed Plover, but smaller than a Lapwing.
The male American Golden Plover has a striking breeding plumage, featuring a black belly, golden back with dark feather centres, and a white stripe above its eye, with the plumage becoming more subdued and grey-brown during the winter months.
Similar to the male, but with a less intense black belly and a more mottled appearance, making it slightly less conspicuous.
The American Golden Plover's call is a sharp, whistled "chu-wee" or "too-ee", often repeated in a series, while its song is a melodious, whistled phrase.
American Golden Plovers are ground-foraging birds, feeding on small invertebrates, and often running or standing still while scanning for prey, with a swift and direct flight style when disturbed or migrating.
The American Golden Plover can be confused with the European Golden Plover, but can be distinguished by its black axillary feathers, darker back, and more golden spangling, as well as its distinctive call and slightly larger size.
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