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Step 1
Watch for the American Golden Plover wintering in grasslands throughout South and Central America. The American Golden Plover migrates over Mexico and the eastern half of the United States and Canada.
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Step 2
Look for this plover near farmlands, prairies, beaches, shorelines and mudflats during migration. You'll find the American Golden Plover living in the tundra of northern Canada, Alaska and parts of Siberia during the summer breeding season.
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Step 3
Take note of the American Golden Plover's size. This medium sized shorebird ranges in length from 9 to 11 inches. It has a wingspan from 18 to 22 inches and an average weight between 4.3 and 6.9 oz.
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Step 4
Pay close attention to the American Golden Plover's appearance, with its black face, black underparts and a black and gold spotted back. They also have a short, black bill, a short neck and a large, round head. A distinctive physical characteristic of this plover is the white S shape located along the sides of the neck and head. The bird also has tapered wings and a pointed tail.
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Step 5
Listen to the call of the American Golden Plover on the What Bird website (see Resources below). This call, given during flight, consists of a series of whistled and shrill notes.
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Step 6
Watch the characteristic behaviors of the American Golden Plover. During flight, you'll see rapid wing beats of this quick and direct flyer. It's interesting to watch the bird search for food on the ground in a "stop-run-stop" motion.
