Black-bellied Plover - Pluvialis squatarola
General Description
Black belly with white crown; upper body speckled with dark (black and brown) and light (cream, gray and white) spots. Short and thick bill along with large neck. Sexual difference unusual in shorebirds.
Distribution
Montana Range
Observations in Montana: 123
Montana CountiesBeaverhead, Blaine, Broadwater, Carbon, Carter, Cascade, Chouteau, Custer, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Garfield, Golden Valley, Hill, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Madison, McCone, Meagher, Missoula, Musselshell, Phillips, Powder River, Powell, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sanders, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Teton, Valley, Wheatland, Yellowstone
Migration
In the Bozeman area migration occurs from September 10 to October 5, and peaks on September 18. Spring occurrences are infrequent (Skaar 1969).
Habitat
Migrants are likely to be found along lakes or reservoirs, but sometimes on plowed fields or short meadows or pastures (Johnsgard 1986).
Food Habits
Diet consists of insects, invertebrates, bivalves and crustaceans.
Reproductive Characteristics
Nests built on ground. Single brooded species lays eggs in May. Four eggs per brood; incubation time 26-27 days.