I would like some help identifying this bird

[David in Miyazaki]

Seen January (winter) in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Sorry about the quality of the photo, as evening was drawing in, and the bird was at some distance, and I was facing the light. Would appreciate any help. Thanks

[Bobolink44]

Hi David, this may not be that easy. It looks like Grey (Black-bellied) Plover but there is something slight about it that made me have second thoughts that it might be one of the "Lesser" Golden Plovers eg Pacific or American. I'm sure one of the experts can weigh in. For now, I will go for Grey (Black-bellied) Plover.

[chandan]

Hmm..looks like a Pacific golden plover.

[Colin Key]

Difficult, and I would not bet hard cash on this, but I would go for juvenile Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) partly on the rather heavy looking bill and also the diffuse dark smudge behind the eye; on a Pacific this would be a much neater, better defined spot. I am saying juvenile rather than adult winter because I can see some yellow tints in the mantle and scapulars, but this could be a trick of the light.

Colin

[David in Miyazaki]

Thanks for your suggestions. My initial thought was also black bellied plover, as I had seen some a month ago or so, but the red beak was a problem for me. So I will seriously consider you suggestions and thank you for your comments. Of course if anyone out there has a more definite idea will still be interested to hear. Thanks.

[AndyB]

Hi David, I think any red you see on the beak is a trick of the light. I think I would go for Grey (Black-bellied Plover) for this bird.