Black Bellied Plover
Forages by walking rapidly, then suddenly stopping to watch for prey, which it gleans or pulls from the ground. Breeding males perform a graceful “butterfly” display flight. Migrants and wintering birds rest and forage in flocks.
Breeding males are a dazzling mix of black and white: checkered upperwings, a black face and belly, a white crown, nape, and undertail, and dark legs and bill. Adult females in breeding plumage are similar but with less contrast. Nonbreeding adults are pale gray above and grayish or whitish below. Juveniles are but more scaly-looking on the back. All plumages show black “armpits” in flight.
Black Bellied Plover
Forages by walking rapidly, then suddenly stopping to watch for prey, which it gleans or pulls from the ground. Breeding males perform a graceful “butterfly” display flight. Migrants and wintering birds rest and forage in flocks.
Breeding males are a dazzling mix of black and white: checkered upperwings, a black face and belly, a white crown, nape, and undertail, and dark legs and bill. Adult females in breeding plumage are similar but with less contrast. Nonbreeding adults are pale gray above and grayish or whitish below. Juveniles are but more scaly-looking on the back. All plumages show black “armpits” in flight.