The Pacific Golden-Plover breeds in western Alaska and winters in Hawaii, Australia, and southeast Asia — making its non-stop transoceanic flight of 3,000 miles without stopping one of the great athletic feats in the animal kingdom. In Hawaii it is known as 'Kolea' and is welcomed each fall. It has slightly longer legs and more white on the supercilium than the American Golden-Plover.
Best time to see a Pacific Golden-Plover
The best time to see a Pacific Golden-Plover is December–April, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,224 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pacific Golden-Plover? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pacific Golden-Plover sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Pacific Golden-Plover?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.