March 2002 Mystery Bird

This plover seems to show a dark cap and a contrasting dark patch on the upper back consistent with American Golden-Plover, but it does not have the fine bill or long neck of that species, and the supercilium is not strongly contrasting. The well-defined whitish and buff spotting with relatively dark background identify this bird as a juvenile Black-bellied Plover, as correctly pointed out by our contributors.

This plover was photographed at Abbotts Lagoon in September. To view public comments or join the fray by adding your opinion, click here. Have fun!

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