Part Two of a two-part series on Black-bellied Plovers and American Golden Plovers in their non-breeding plumage. ( For Part One, See: http://www.pbase.com/hankvv/image/129164258 )

HOW TO TELL THEM APART


I am pretty novice at I.D.ing birds. Five years ago, I might have confused these Plovers as being some kind of Gull. Since then, my knowledge has increased bit-by-bit as I encounter new birds.

To determine the I.D. of birds, one checks one’s reference books, checks with bird photographer friends, gets help from Pbase friends, and on occasion one eavesdrops on a group of “Birders” LOL.

It was a group of “Birders” that provided me with the first of two clues to look for in determining the I.D. of these two Plovers in their non-breeding plumage. Interestingly, the “Birders” initially got the I.D. of the one Plover we were watching wrong. Subsequently after another “Birder” joined the group, it was decided that to confirm the I.D. they would have to see the underside of the wings in flight. Luckily, I had taken a shot of the Plover with its wings raised. This then confirmed the I.D. as a Black-bellied Plover.

A fellow nature photographer/Pbase member (witsend) provided me with a second clue as to the difference between a Golden and a Black-bellied Plover. This clue requires one to see the back/bottom of the bird’s feet. I did not find this clue in any of my reference books but subsequently did find it in an Internet search.

The following six images depict the two differences that I am aware off. There may be others.

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Top Image: No this is not An American Golden. It is a Black-bellied Plover shot during the Golden Hour. Note the arrow pointing to a small toe at the back of the foot. That small toe is unique to the B-b Plover.


No, this is not a Black-bellied Plover, it is an American Golden. Note, it has no small back toe. This shot was taken in a shaded area.


Close-up of the small back toe of a B-b Plover.


Black-bellied Plover with its wings raised. Note the dark patch of feathers and the dark body patch under the wing. These are specific to the Black-bellied. Note also that this Plover has an injury.


A Black-bellied Plover with its wing partially raised. Note the black patch under its wing. Also note the small toe on the raised foot.


Close-up of part of an American Golden Plover. Note the absence of the small toe. Also note that there doesn't appear to be a black patch below the partially raised wing.

I hope I didn't bore you with all this.

THE END