Pacific Golden Plover

Pluvialis fulva

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Brief #

Spotted gold and black on the crown, back, and wings. Face and neck are black bordered with white,

Synonyms #

  • Chorlito dorado siberiano (Spanish)
  • PĂ­ldora dourada siberiana (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Pacific Golden Plover is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

In breeding plumage, the male is spotted gold and black on the crown, back, and wings. Face and neck are black bordered with white, breast is black, rump is dark. Bill is black, legs are grey to black. Female similar but black breast mottled and less distinct. In nonbreeding plumage, sexes look identical. The black on the face and breast bordered by white is replaced with dark brown, grey, and yellowish patterning and lighter underparts. Molt to breeding plumage begins in March and April, prior to migration. Molt to nonbreeding plumage begins in the Arctic during egg incubation. Downy chicks are spotted gold and black on head and back with whitish yellow underparts. Legs and feet adult size at hatching.

Measurements #

Length: 23 - 26 cm
Wingspan: 43 - 45 cm
Weight: 102 - 108 g

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