European Golden Plover. Breeding plumage has variable black on face and belly. The european golden plover breeds in the northern countries of europe including iceland.
Very wary on the breeding grounds. A common redpoll was found in downtown albuquerque. A few spring records elsewhere in eastern canada and a scattering of late summer and fall records including some in the eastern united states.
It is a rare vagrant to north america.
Smaller than black bellied gray plover which has gray or silvery upperparts. Breeding plumage has variable black on face and belly. In winter they form large flocks which fly in fairly tight formation with rapid twinkling wingbeats. The european golden plover is a medium sized wader with rather compact body and short bill.
