American golden plover
Quick Summary
The American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica) is a species of plover, a plump-breasted bird known for its long wings and short neck. These birds are characterized by their migratory behavior, with the American golden plover undertaking a remarkable journey from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to wintering areas in South America.12
A notable aspect of their migration is the nonstop flight from Eastern Canada and the Northeastern U.S. to South America, covering approximately 2,500 miles over the open ocean. While many plovers nest in shallow ground hollows and feed on insects or small invertebrates along shorelines, the American golden plover's migratory route is particularly extensive.31
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plover…apricaria; see photograph) and the American golden plover (P. dominica), which breed in the Arctic and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The American golden plovers of the eastern range fly over the Atlantic and South America as far south as Patagonia, and most return via the Mississippi Valley; those in…
Read More…apricaria; see photograph) and the American golden plover (P. dominica), which breed in the Arctic and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The American golden plovers of the eastern range fly over the Atlantic and South America as far south as Patagonia, and most return via the Mississippi Valley; those in…
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migrationModes of migrationAmerican golden plover, wintering in the Pacific, fly directly from the Aleutian Islands (southwest of Alaska) to Hawaii, the 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) flight requiring 35 hours and more than 250,000 wing beats.
Read MoreAmerican golden plover, wintering in the Pacific, fly directly from the Aleutian Islands (southwest of Alaska) to Hawaii, the 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) flight requiring 35 hours and more than 250,000 wing beats.
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