ID Please

[denise ippolito]

At first I thought this was Black-bellied Plover, but now I'm not sure.
Shot at Sandy Hook NJ a few days ago.

[John Chardine]

I agree Denise, at least that I'm unsure it is a BBPL. I think the dark cap your bird has suggests an American Golden Plover. (ref. Sibley).

[denise ippolito]

John, That's what I was thinking. Thankyou.

[Paul Lagasi]

Checked my books, when I got home, wingtips seem to extend beyond tail, broad white stripe runs over eye and down side of neck...AGPL to me...

[denise ippolito]

Thanks Paul. I appreciate it.

[Arthur Morris]

Be careful here.... First off, is this an adult or a juvenile?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Looks like a juvenile bird, the birds that I have seen and believe are golden-plovers looked a bit different. I'm interested what the verdict will be.

[denise ippolito]

I don't know if this helps but this bird is a bit taller in the legs than the BBP I've seen.That is if I have ID'd them correctly. Also the golden bit at the top of the head does not appear in any of the other BBP I have seen. I am curious to know as I feel like I can tell them apart now-unless you are right then I need to start all over in my observations.

[Arthur Morris]

I believe that the bird is clearly a worn adult. No juvenile Pluvialis plover would show such a strongly patterned face. As folks suggested, the dark cap along with some golden tones make this an American Golden Plover. Here is what I believe is the clincher: all black-bellieds have a vestigial hind toe. Golden-plovers, including this bird, do not. Denise, do you have a side view of this bird? (One clearly showing the feet would be mega.)

[denise ippolito]

Art, Here is one w/ a side view and I'll attach the only other one that has a slight view of feet.

[denise ippolito]

Here is the only one I have from that shoot w/ a slight foot view-

[Arthur Morris]

It's funny. Pane 11 looks much more golden-plover-like that the original post and clearly shows that there is no vestigial hind toe. And it shows more obviously that the bird is a faded, molting adult.

There is no image in pane 10. If you could have moved well to your right it seems as if you could have gotten to the light angle....

[denise ippolito]

Artie, I moved up and down the beach all morning trying to get a good angle-the problem is so did the bird! This bird just wouldn't hold still.:)
Thankyou for the ID I appreciate it.

[John McNamara]

I believe that the Black Belly Plover bill is thicker. I vote Golden Plover.

[denise ippolito]

John, Thankyou for your help.