Black-bellied
Plover,
Pluvialis equatarola
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![]() The striking breeding plumage, which explains the common name of the species used in North America, is still retained by this bird in August fall migration. Below, the same bird with wings raised, showing the diagnostic black axillaries or "armpits" which these birds retain through all plumages; when visible, they decisively distinguish this plover from its similar-looking Pluvialis relatives the American and Pacific Golden Plover. | |
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![]() The bird shown above has begun its molt from breeding to non-breeding plumage. |
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![]() Black-bellied Plovers in flight, mostly through their prebasic molt in August, but some with patches of black feathering on the underparts not yet fully replaced by the solid white of their non-breeding plumage; note black axillaries (underarm feathers). |
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![]() The picture above and the following two show the Black-bellied Plover in its non-breeding plumage, which is how we generally see the bird in the Lower 48. British birders, who never see the breeding plumage, entitle this bird the Grey Plover. |
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![]() Note the black axillary ("underarm") feather tract, seen in the bird above and the two below, and also visible in the pictures of the flying group and the breeding-plumaged birds further up the page. |
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![]() The pervasive sharp white notches on the dark feathers of the upperparts, and the strong streaking of the breast of the bird above indicates a juvenile rather than a winter plumage adult. The same juvenile is shown with a molting adult below. |
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