Wilson's Plover vs Snowy Plover

In short

Wilson's Plover and Snowy Plover can be distinguished by the size and shape of their bills. Wilson's Plover has a noticeably heavier and thicker black bill, while the Snowy Plover's bill is more slender and shorter. Both species have a single breast band, but Wilson's Plover is generally larger.

Identification tips

1. Look for the heavy, thick black bill on Wilson's Plover. 2. Note the size difference: Wilson's is larger. 3. Observe the breast band: more pronounced in Wilson's. 4. Consider habitat: both are coastal, but Snowy can be in broader sandy areas. 5. Use behavior clues: Wilson's often feeds on fiddler crabs.

Size

Wilson's Plover is larger than the Snowy Plover.

Plumage

Both species have a single breast band, but the band on Wilson's Plover is typically more pronounced. Snowy Plovers tend to have paler upperparts.

Behaviour

Wilson's Plover is often seen feeding on crustaceans like fiddler crabs, while Snowy Plovers may be observed foraging for insects and other small invertebrates.

Habitat

Wilson's Plover is closely associated with coastal areas, particularly beaches and lagoons, while Snowy Plovers also inhabit similar coastal environments but can be found in a wider range of open sandy habitats.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature between these species in the field.