Male

Female

Description

Size:  10.50”

Plumage/Description:  Male and female plumage similar. A long-legged wading bird in the plover family.  Adults have a striking pattern of two bold black breastbands.   Throat, belly, forehead, nape, and eyebrow white.  Wings and back in typical adult plumage is brown but there is variation in that some birds will appear more reddish-brown.  In flight bright Rufous rump and tail feathers are diagnostic.

Habitat:   Grassland, Suburban, Residential, Riparian/Deciduous

Time of year: Year-round

Relative Abundance:   Common in proper habitat

Behavior:  Usually not far from water but is frequently found in weedy grassy fields, agricultural settings and at large ball fields, such as Pioneer Park and at school football and baseball fields.  During nesting systems adults have the unique habit of feigning an injury to lead predators away from their nest which is on the ground.

Diet:   Insects, Invertebrates

Similar species:

Best Sites:  Watson and Willow Lake, Airport Re-charge Ponds, Chino Valley