Wilson's Plover

Photo by David Sarkozi, Houston, TX - © 1995

Last updated 2/15/96

Wilson's Plovers are common from the beginning of March to the end of September. Easy to identify; look for the large dark colored bill and single wide ring around the the neck, bold white eye strip, dark back and crown, and greyish legs.

Wilson's Plover is bigger than all other ringed plovers except Killdeer. Semipalmated Plover has yellow legs and a small bicolored bill (all dark in winter) and is smaller over all. No other ringed plovers are dark on the back and crown.

Look for Wilson's Plover on beaches and tidal flats. Its not unusual to find it in recently flooded, but drying fields with little vegetation. My favorite spot is Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary

A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count

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