Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) 20 August 2017, Pilarcitos Creek, Venice Beach, San Mateo County, CA Photos © 2017 Joseph Morlan
Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus)

Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus)
Formerly considered a race of the Eurasian Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), this North American bird was split by the 52nd AOU supplement on the basis of differences in male calls, morphology, and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Two races are currently recognized. This is the nominate North American race. The larger C. n. occidentalis ranges along the West Coast of South America (Peru & Chile) and lacks the dark lores of the North American birds. Because of population declines, this species is Federally listed as threatened, and California lists it as a species of special concern. It likes sandy beaches where loose dogs, people and dune buggies often disrupt breeding attempts.

Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope 3 | 30X WA | hand-held (no adapter)
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