Rare but seen annually the last three springs, this shorebird is found in fields that usually have a few puddles. Sightings are of migrating birds heading north to their tundra breeding grounds. To date, only one record exists for fall migrants in the checklist area. Some winter on the coast in locations such as Boundary Bay in Delta. Others will winter south as far as northern Argentina, Eats mainly insects and other invertrebrates picked off the surface. Does not breed before second or third year. Some retain non-breeding plumage even in the spring and summer.
Similar species:
A fairly distinct shorebird. The accidental American Golden-Plover is smaller and in breeding colours has black undertail coverts and lacks the black ‘arm pits’ found under the wings of the Black-bellied Plover. The black ‘arm pits’ on the Black-bellied Plover are displayed by both male and female and in all plumages. (see photos below)
Best Viewing Sites:
Fields in East Chilliwack and Sumas Prairie (Abbotsford) seem to be the most productive. Check on turf farms or dirt fields with or without puddles.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| October 16, 2012 | Campbell Road, Abbotsford | G. Gadsden, 2012d | Juvenile with Killdeer on turf farm. Seen a few times up until October 21, 2012 (Gadsden, 2012e). First fall record. |
| April 19, 2012 | Chilliwack Central Rd., Chilliwack | D. Beeke | Total of 130 birds counted in a field. |
| April 22, 2011 | Vye Rd., Abbotsford | E. Klassen | Twenty-nine birds in a flooded field. |
| April 20, 2011 | Banford Rd., Chilliwack | D. Beeke | Over 300 birds counted. Highest count on record. |
| April 11, 2011 | Hopedale Rd., Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | Four birds. Earliest record for spring. |
| May 7, 2010 | Banford Rd., Chilliwack | K. R. Jones, 2010a | Thirty birds. Latest documented record for spring. |
| April 16, 2010 | Island 22, Chilliwack | C. McDonald | Flock of 28 on gravel bar. |
Photos
