Introduction

Wilson’s Plover is a medium-sized plover associated strictly with coastal areas. It has a single breast-band and can be distinguished easily from other similar plovers by its heavy black bill and larger size. The species is named for Alexander Wilson, who collected the type specimen in May 1813 at Cape May, NJ, where this species is (and was) only a rare visitor.

Wilson’s Plovers nest on sparsely vegetated saline areas, including beaches above high tide, dune areas, and edges of lagoons. They are territorial during the nesting season but engage in group defense of their nesting areas. During the nonbreeding season, individuals congregate in groups of up to 30 or more, sometimes with other species of small plovers, for roosting and foraging. Wilson’s Plovers feed primarily on crustaceans, particularly fiddler crabs (Uca spp.).

Studies from Texas and Georgia (Bergstrom 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988a, 1988b, 1989, Corbat 1990) provide important information on breeding biology. Studies of feeding, activity budget, and habitat use have been conducted in Venezuela (Morrier and McNeil 1991, Thibault and McNeil 1994, 1995). Otherwise, little is known about most aspects of the life history of this species, and further study in all areas is warranted.

Loss of beach habitat and disturbances to nesting areas are the primary threats to the species.