Piping Plover

-Charadrius melodus-

Small, short-billed bird of the sandy beaches, lake shores and dunes.
Breeds in northeast and north-central U.S. and Canada. Some present in our area all year.
Predominant body color is that of dry sand. Has orange legs and white rump.
In breeding plumage, has narrow breast band and orange base of bill. In winter, bill is black and neck ring missing. Considered Federally Endangered on Great Lakes but not in Texas.

Length: 6.75 to 7.25 inches
Wingspan: 18.00 to 18.75 inches
Weight: 43 to 63 g