Mountain Plover
Look first for sandy plover with a white forehead and thin black forecrown in breeding plumage, then confirm it in shortgrass prairie, prairie-dog colonies, and sparsely vegetated fields. Those two clues make Mountain Plover much easier to identify responsibly in Colorado.
Artwork inspired by Frank Vavra
Despite its name, the mountain plover is a dry-grassland shorebird that avoids mountains and shorelines. It nests on short, heavily grazed ground, prairie-dog colonies, and fallow fields where its pale back nearly disappears against bare soil.
Scan from public roads, remain alert for chicks that freeze rather than flee, and never drive or walk across apparently empty nesting habitat. Search short vegetation and bare patches for upright birds, then confirm the white forehead and slim black forecrown. Returns to Colorado breeding areas in spring and departs for southwestern wintering grounds by fall.
- Status
- Declining grassland bird; more than half may breed in Colorado
- Best clue
- Sandy plover with a white forehead and thin black forecrown in breeding plumage
- Colorado habitat
- Shortgrass prairie, prairie-dog colonies, and sparsely vegetated fields
Quick guide
- Search low
- Scan bare patches within shortgrass rather than trees
- Protect nests
- Observe from roads and avoid repeated close passes
A low-impact field sequence for Mountain Plover
- Choose open ground
- Look across prairie-dog colonies, grazed grass, and sparse fields where the horizon remains unobstructed.
- Read posture
- Mountain Plovers stand upright, run, and pause; they lack the bold breast bands of Killdeer.
- Check the head
- In breeding plumage, combine a white forehead with a narrow black forecrown and dark loral line.
- Keep nests hidden
- Do not walk toward a crouching adult or publish a nest location; eggs disappear against bare soil.
Good to know
Mountain plovers often select disturbed-looking ground. Habitat can therefore be ecologically valuable even when it lacks tall grass or postcard scenery.
Notice these
- Sandy plover with a white forehead and thin black forecrown in breeding plumage
- Shortgrass prairie, prairie-dog colonies, and sparsely vegetated fields
- Declining grassland bird; more than half may breed in Colorado