| Black-bellied Plover Identification Tips |
| (Credit: U. S. Geological Survey) |
| General
Information - Medium-sized, long-winged shorebird - White wing stripe - White rump - Short, fairly thick, dark bill - Legs black Adult alternate - Black face, throat, and breast - White border to black face and throat - Pale gray crown and nape - Black and white spotted back and wings - White belly and undertail coverts Adult basic - Medium gray upperparts with paler edging - Pale gray breast - White supercilium - White underparts - Black axillars visible in flight Juvenile - Similar to adult basic but upperparts have more contrast - Black and white spotted tertials - Finely streaked breast - White supercilium - Black axillars visible in flight Similar species This plover is most similar to the Lesser, Greater, and Pacific Golden-Plovers. In alternate plumage, the Black-bellied Plover lacks the gold tones to the upperparts and has white undertail coverts. In basic and juvenile plumages, the Black-bellied Plover is most distinctive in flight with its black axillars, white rump, and white wing stripe, all of which the golden-plovers lack. At rest, the Black-bellied is grayer with a thicker bill. |
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