American Golden Plover
by
Shop
Pluvialis dominica
Rare & regular vagrants to Britain during September & October from North America with 10-30 per year in Britain & 250 records for Ireland.
Breeding Males have a black face, neck, breast, and belly, with a white crown and nape that extends to the side of the breast.
The back is mottled black and white with pale, gold spots.
The breeding Female is similar, but with less black.
When in winter plumage, both sexes have grey-brown upperparts, pale grey-brown underparts, and a whitish eyebrow.
The head is small, along with the bill.
Juveniles are duller than Adults.
They are smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than European Golden Plovers.