Mountain Plover Similar Species Comparison

Breeding adult

Medium-sized shorebird of inland shortgrass prairies. Stands with an upright posture. Pale brown above with a white face, a black forehead mark, and a black line in front of the eye.

Nonbreeding/immature

Breeding

Has classic plover habit of taking several quick steps and then stopping short. Pale brown back, lack of bands on breast, and upland habitat set it apart from other plovers.

Juvenile

Juveniles are brownish above with a buffy breast and face.

Breeding adult

Nonbreeding/immature

Juvenile

Breeding adult

Upright shorebird with a peachy wash on the neck and shoulders. During the breeding season has a black line in front of the eye.

Habitat

Winters on fields of harvested grain, grazed grasslands, and tilled fields.