The American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) are two similar species of medium-sized shorebirds in the plover family Charadriidae. They can be difficult to distinguish in the field due to their overlapping ranges and similar plumage. However, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of distribution, migration, breeding plumage, and behavior that birders can use to identify them.
Geographic Range and Migration
The American Golden-Plover has a larger breeding range, nesting across northern North America from Alaska to Baffin Island and Greenland. The Pacific Golden-Plover breeds exclusively in Siberia and Alaska. During migration and winter, the American Golden-Plover is found mainly in interior locations in North and South America, concentrating in grasslands and agricultural fields. The Pacific Golden-Plover migrates down the Pacific Coast of North America and winters primarily along the coasts of Pacific islands and Asia.
Breeding Range
Here are the key differences in breeding range between the two species:
- American Golden-Plover: Breeds across Arctic North America including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Iceland
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Breeds in northeast Siberia and western/northern Alaska
Migration Route
The two plovers follow different migration paths in the fall and spring:
- American Golden-Plover: Migrates southeast over interior North America to wintering grounds in South America
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Migrates south down the Pacific Coast of North America and Asia to wintering areas in Hawaii, Oceania, Australia, and Southeast Asia
Winter Range
They occupy different wintering ranges:
- American Golden-Plover: Winters in interior fields and grasslands of South America east of the Andes Mountains
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Winters along coasts from Hawaii to New Zealand and Australia
Breeding Plumage
During the breeding season, American Golden-Plovers develop distinctive black bellies, necks, and heads, with a white stripe above the eyes. Pacific Golden-Plovers retain their gray-brown winter plumage on the breeding grounds, with just a small black smudge on the face.
American Golden-Plover Breeding Plumage
- Entire underparts become black
- Neck and head turn black
- White stripe above eye
- Upperparts remain gray and speckled
Pacific Golden-Plover Breeding Plumage
- Underparts remain gray-brown
- Small black smudge in front of eye
- No white supercilium stripe
- Very similar to winter plumage
Behavioral Differences
These two plovers exhibit slightly different behaviors related to their habitat preferences:
Foraging Behavior
- American Golden-Plover: Feeds in open interior fields and grasslands
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Forages along coastal mudflats and beaches
Flocking Tendency
- American Golden-Plover: Often found in large compact flocks in migration and winter
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Tends to be solitary or in smaller, looser flocks, especially in winter
Wariness
- American Golden-Plover: Can be approachable at times when feeding and roosting
- Pacific Golden-Plover: Very wary and difficult to get close to
Identification Tips
Here are some useful tips for identifying American and Pacific Golden-Plovers:
Location
- Pacific Golden-Plovers are rare inland, so one found away from the coast is likely an American
- American Golden-Plovers are rare on the Pacific coast, so one on the shore is likely a Pacific
Flock Size
- A lone plover or a small loose flock likely indicates Pacific
- A large dense flock suggests American
Plumage
- A black belly points to breeding-plumage American
- A drab gray-brown belly indicates Pacific
Behavior
- A very wary plover associating with tidal flats indicates Pacific
- A tame plover feeding in interior fields points to American
Summary Comparison Table
| Trait | American Golden-Plover | Pacific Golden-Plover |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding Range | Arctic North America | Siberia and Alaska |
| Migration Route | Interior North America to South America | Pacific Coast of North America and Asia |
| Winter Range | Interior South America | Pacific Islands and Coasts |
| Breeding Plumage | Black belly, neck, and head with white supercilium | Retains gray-brown winter plumage |
| Foraging Habitat | Interior grasslands and fields | Coastal mudflats and beaches |
| Flocking | Large dense flocks | Solitary or loose flocks |
| Wariness | Can be approachable | Very wary |
Conclusion
In summary, the American and Pacific Golden-Plovers differ mainly in their geographic ranges, migration routes, preferred habitats, and breeding plumage characteristics. The American breeds across the Arctic and migrates over interior North America, while the Pacific breeds only in Siberia/Alaska and migrates down the Pacific Coast. American Golden-Plovers form larger flocks and can be tamer than the solitary and very wary Pacific. Using location, plumage, flocking behavior, and habitat can help identify these similar golden-plovers.
