The Black-bellied Plover is the largest plover in North America and one of the most widely distributed shorebirds in the world, wintering on every continent except Antarctica. In breeding plumage its black face and belly are striking; in winter it becomes a plain gray bird. It has distinctive black 'armpits' — axillaries — visible in flight that are unique among golden-plovers.
Best time to see a Black-bellied Plover
The best time to see a Black-bellied Plover is August–January, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 28,216 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black-bellied Plover? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black-bellied Plover sightings near you
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