Western Snowy Plover
Charadrius nivosus nivosus












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.

(1) https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Plover/overview
Audio from www.xeno-canto.com Recorded by Thoomas G. Graves XC599323
Additional photography courtesy of Patrick Sysiong and Sushanta Bhandarkar