The American Golden-Plover makes one of the longest migrations of any shorebird — flying nonstop from New England and Nova Scotia to South America in fall, a transoceanic journey of 2,400 miles over open water. The breeding plumage male has a spectacular gold-spangled back and solid black face, neck, and underparts. It returns northward overland through the interior of North America.
Best time to see a American Golden-Plover
The best time to see a American Golden-Plover is March–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,775 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Golden-Plover? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Golden-Plover sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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