Date: 5/3/25 12:07 pm From: Cliff Weisse via groups.io <cliffandlisa...> Subject: [IBLE] Golden Plover ID
I've looked at more than 20 eBird checklists for the Pacific Golden
Plover at Black's Creek. I don't see much mention of the relative length
of Primaries/Tertails/Tail that is the only reliable way to separate
American and Pacific without calls. It works in any plumage with the
only caveat being that it may not work for molting birds.
Breeding plumage Americans with no white on the flanks are straight
forward but during molt they can look like much like Pacifics, and
juveniles are very similar. The long bill and long legs can be helpful
but a good look at the Primary/Tertial/Tail relationship can make it
easy. Here are the important points taken from this article
"*/Morphometric features of Pacific and American Golden-Plovers with
comments on field identification/*"
(https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=9bc92b3f984f118928e8f292158d19a586cc53ea): - Pacific has 2-3 primaries visible beyond tertials, American has 4-5
- tertials extend to distal third of tail, ending at or near tail tip in
most Pacific, from half to distal third of tail on American
- wing tip extends past end of tail more on American than Pacific, with
little or no overlap
- tips of outer two primaries are closer together on Pacific, with some
overlap.
With a good look at the rear end of the bird these differences create a
different overall look, even if you can't see the details clearly.
Kent's original photo that was posted to IBLE is a good example - it
hints at Pacific with tertials appearing to extend nearly to end of tail
and very short primary tips visible. You can't quite see the details but
there is enough to suggest the need for a closer look. After reviewing
the above linked article I did a Google search for photos and these
features are clearly visible in countless examples of both species. If
you want to get a better handle on Golden Plovers I'd recommend reading
the article and spending some time looking at photos.
Cliff
--
Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park, Idaho
<cliffandlisa...>
