Ready for a challenge? The shorebirds in the following quiz are commonly found across much of the Gulf Coast. See how many of them you can identify.
1. Although some features of this resting bird are hidden, the relevant field marks are still visible.
2. This tiny shorebird has a larger relative that is abundant across much of North America.
3. After the first two, this next shorebird should be a relatively easy ID!
1. This individual is chunky with drab, brownish upperparts, a white belly, grayish legs, and a semi-long bill that droops at the tip: all features of the Dunlin. This species spends the winter on the coast before migrating to Alaska and northern Canada for the breeding season.
4. A black-and-white shorebird flying low...
1. This individual is chunky with drab, brownish upperparts, a white belly, grayish legs, and a semi-long bill that droops at the tip: all features of the Dunlin. This species spends the winter on the coast before migrating to Alaska and northern Canada for the breeding season.
2. Piping Plovers are related to the Killdeer, an abundant and widespread plover species. Unlike Killdeer, though, Piping Plovers have incomplete breast-bands. They also have orange legs, unlike the slightly larger Snowy Plover, which has grayish legs. Like the Dunlin (but unlike the Snowy Plover), Piping Plovers do not remain on the Gulf Coast to breed.
3. The moderately short, slightly decurved bill; short, yellow legs; and warm-brown upperparts help to distinguish the Least Sandpiper from other shorebirds. Its small size is a useful field mark, as well. Like the Piping Plover and the Dunlin, the Least Sandpiper migrates north in the spring.
4. The American Oystercatcher is a large shorebird with bold black-and-white-and-brown plumage. Its almost clownish-looking red bill makes it unlikely to be confused with any other species! Oystercatchers are year-round residents of the Gulf Coast, and they do indeed eat oysters.
