Species Facts

Conservation Status: Threatened, USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern

Description: The Western Snowy Plover is a small, sparrow-sized plover with long legs. They have white bellies, and tan feathers on their heads and back, and adults will have a black collar of feathers around the back of their necks.

Play Western Snowy Plover call:

Where to find them: This subspecies of the Snowy Plover can be found on sandy inland and coastal beaches in California and parts of Oregon and Nevada.

Fun Facts:

• The oldest known Snowy Plover on record was 15 years and 9 months old (1).
• Snowy Plover chicks are precocial, which means they can get up and start feeding on their own not long after hatching
• When caring for Western Snowy Plovers at our wildlife hospitals, we play the sounds of ocean waves to help them feel more comfortable.

Threats: Habitat loss, nest disturbance, oil spills, people & pets, rising sea levels

How YOU can Help:

Be aware when visiting coastal or inland beaches! Don’t let your dogs off leash outside of designated dog beaches. Participate in a beach cleanup.