I also have problems identifying plovers

[Jacqueline Burrell]

These were in Abu Dhabi this January.

Jacqueline

[Bobolink44]

First 2 photos are Sandplovers (does middle photo show Lesser and Greater Sandplover as 2 right hand birds?). Need experts to confirm
Photo 3 is Ringed Plover - I refer you David in Miyazaki's plover thread to see some nice Ringed Plover photos for comparison.

Anyone care to dive in on the sandplovers?

[Colin Key]

I would agree, #1 Lesser Sand Plover #2 Lesser and Greater Sand Plover #3 juv. Ringed Plover.

Bill shape is a fairly good ID point for sandplover sp.

But, juv. and winter small plovers are not always easy as the other thread reveals. I have looked at more Ringed and Kentish (1st winters and adults) in the past couple of days than in the past twenty years and am amazed at the huge variation in plumage that I never really appreciated before. Birds which I see every day I tend to take for granted and don't scrutinize too closely.

Colin

[Jacqueline Burrell]

I don’t wish to be pedantic but is the Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula or Charadrius leschenaultia?

Jacqueline

[Colin Key]

I don’t wish to be pedantic but is the Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula or Charadrius leschenaultia?

Jacqueline

Jacqueline,

Ringed Plover = Charadrius hiaticula

Greater Sand Plover = Charadrius leschenaultii

Lesser Sand Plover = Charadrius mongolus

Based on plumage, yellow/orange legs and gradationally pointed bill I would say that the bird in photo #3 is Charadrius hiaticula.

Colin