nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-09-07)


Grey (or Black-bellied) Plover
Pluvialis squatarola

Native Range: North America and Eurasia

Notes: jet-black underparts when in breeding plumage; at other times of year, mostly grayish overall except for black"armpits" that are a good field mark for birds in flight; short stout bill that the bird uses to pick food items (rather than probe in mud).

nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2009-02-08)
note white on tail and wingstripe in flight (California, USA; 2009-03-21)

black "armpits" or axillars (California, USA; 2006-15-06)
flock in flight, showing black armpits (California, USA; 2007-07-14)
note white on tail and wingstripe in flight (California, USA; 2009-09-21) note white on tail and wingstripe in flight (California, USA; 2009-09-21)
dorsal view of flock in flight (California, USA; 2007-10-14) transitional plumage, some black underparts (California, USA; 2009-09-21)
juvenile, showing lightly streaked breast (California, USA; 2006-06-24) frontal view of adult in breeding plumage (zoo; 2012-06-24)
side view of adult in breeding plumage (zoo; 2012-06-24) another side view of adult in breeding plumage (zoo; 2012-06-24)