Black-bellied Plover - Charadriidae  Pluvialis  squatarola
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Photo Details
1. November 20, 2005, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah -  ©Nicky Davis
2. July 20, 2005, Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah - ©Jack Binch
3. April 27, 2003 - ©Nicky Davis - Antelope Island, Davis County, Utah


Description
Length, 11.5 inches, Wingspan, 29 inches,  Large head, low contrasting supercilium, wing to tail ratio is shorter and bill is wider and not as pointed as the American Golden-Plover. Black axillaries (armpits) are unique

Utah Range Map


Other
Lives on shallow inland saline lakes in the summer and on coastal flats in winters.Aggressive in breeding colonies and will dive-bomb intruders. One of their main concentrations in the summer is at Great Sale Lake.  Feeds by thrusting bill underwater and swinging from side to side checking for fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects.  Also eats seeds.  Lays 4 dark-spotted olive eggs in a shallow depression with little lining in the open on a mudflat, marsh or beach.  If water rises they build nest up with sticks and weeds.

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