Today's featured feathered friend is the Black-Bellied Plover. Also known as the Gray Plover, it is the largest plover in North America. Their average length is 11.25 inches, the average wingspan is 23.5 inches and they weigh between 6 and 9 ounces.
Black-Bellied Plovers molt into their non-breeding (winter) plumage by early September and retain it through the following April. Their winter plumage is a fairly plain gray above, with a gray speckled breast and a white belly. In spring and summer, they change back into their breeding (summer) plumage. Adult males have a striking black neck, throat, breast and upper belly. The black contrasts with a vivid white stripe running down the sides of the neck to the wings, the rump is bright white. Adult females can be just as colorful or much more subdued. Juveniles and first year birds resemble adults in winter plumage.
Black-Bellied Plovers are long-distance migrants, making non-stop flights over Asia, Europe and North America. However, they are rarely seen in the interior of these continents, landing only if forced down by severe weather, or to feed on the shores of very large lakes. Their summer breeding grounds are in the Arctic areas of Canada, Alaska and Russia. When not on their breeding grounds they are abundant on coastlines around the world.
Enjoy these photos of the Black-Bellied Plover.....tweet.....tweet!!
 |
| In Summer (Breeding) Plumage (Taken 5/16/13, Boca Grande Beach, Gasparilla Island FL) |
 |
| In Winter (Non-Breeding) Plumage (Taken 2/7/13, Indian Mound Park, Englewood FL) |
 |
| Changing into Summer (Breeding) Plumage (Take 4/11/13, Ft. Desoto Park, St. Petersburg FL) |
 |
| In Summer (Breeding) Plumage (Taken 5/16/13, Boca Grande Beach, Gasparilla Island FL) |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Plover
i love these photos
ReplyDelete