Bird GuidePloversLesser Sand-Plover

Lesser Sand-Plover

Lesser Sand-Plover
Charadrius mongolus
At a Glance Range & Identification Back to Top

At a Glance

This Asian plover is found in very small numbers in western Alaska in spring, when its bright pattern makes it unmistakable; it has even nested there. The species has also occurred as a rare stray in scattered areas south of Alaska, including Oregon, California, Alberta, Ontario, New Jersey, and Louisiana.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Plovers, Sandpiper-like Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Saltwater Wetlands, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Region
Alaska and The North
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats, Running

Range & Identification

Description

8" (20.5 cm). Broad cinnamon band across chest (often duller on females) is distinctive in spring and summer. Fall and winter birds confusingly plain, may suggest Mountain Plover but usually have darker legs, different habitat.
Size
About the size of a Robin, About the size of a Sparrow
Color
Black, Brown, Red, White
Wing Shape
Long, Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Short

Songs and Calls

A short, soft, low-pitched crrik or crrik-crrik.