Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
Mountain Plover

Mountain Plover

Charadrius montanus

The Mountain Plover (Anarhynchus montanus) is a medium-sized bird that, despite its name, does not dwell in mountainous regions. It is a member of the plover family, Charadriidae, and is characterized by its preference for dry, level habitats with short grass and bare ground. This bird stands between 5-9 inches tall, measures 8-10 inches in length, and weighs approximately 102 grams.

Identification Tips

Adult Mountain Plovers are sandy brown on their upperparts, with whitish underparts and face. They lack the distinctive breast band common to many plovers. Notable features include black feathers on the forecrown and a black stripe extending from each eye to the bill, which may appear brown and less distinct in winter plumage. Both sexes are similar in size and appearance.

Habitat

The Mountain Plover favors open, dry areas with short vegetation, often due to grazing activities. It is not typically found near water bodies or on wet soil, preferring habitats that offer clear visibility and easy access to food sources.

Distribution

Breeding populations of Mountain Plovers are found in the high plains of North America, ranging from southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan to northern New Mexico and the Texas panhandle. A notable isolated population exists in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. During winter, they migrate to the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys in California and areas along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Behaviour

Mountain Plovers are known for their association with livestock, which helps to stir up insects for them to feed on. They exhibit a unique breeding strategy, with females potentially laying multiple clutches of eggs and males taking on incubation duties for the first clutch. These birds are also known for their post-breeding movements across the southern Great Plains.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Mountain Plover are variable, often described as low-pitched trilled or gurgling whistles. During courtship, they emit a sound reminiscent of a distant cow mooing.

Breeding

Mountain Plovers nest on bare ground in early spring, with a preference for areas grazed by bison and black-tailed prairie dogs. The survival rate of nests varies widely, influenced by climate and predation. Females lay clutches of three eggs, with egg size decreasing as the season progresses. Uniparental incubation is practiced, with females leaving the first clutch to the male and tending to a second clutch themselves.

Similar Species

The Mountain Plover can be distinguished from other Charadrius plovers by its lack of a breast band and its unique habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the Mountain Plover feeds on insects and other small arthropods, often in areas disturbed by grazing animals.

Conservation status

The Mountain Plover is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Its population is in decline due to habitat loss from cultivation, urbanization, and over-grazing. Conservation efforts focus on preserving breeding and wintering habitats, as well as prairie dog colonies, which are crucial for their nesting success.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Mountain Plovers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Plovers

A photo of a Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) , male

Kentish Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.