Wilson's Plover
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The picture highlights the bird's thick bill (used for catching small crustaceans) and beige legs. It says little about the bird's size. Standing about seven inches in height, Wilson's Plovers are a bit taller than the smallest of the plovers such as the Piping Plover. Along the same lines, they are a bit smaller than the largest of the plovers such as the Golden Plover.
Reliable population estimates are lacking, although overall population declines are noted throughout their range. Maryland and Virgina list them as locally endangered, and Audubon placed them on the watch list.
Their open area nesting practices contribute to their declining numbers. The amount of open beach space within their historical range continues to shrink. On remaining beach areas, their nesting can be disturbed by human and pet encroachment as well as dealing with egg predation by resident mammals and birds.
© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels