While the Snowy Plover and Piping Plover are similar in appearance and behavior, there are some differences between the twem. We’ll point them out but don’t forgot to scroll down and check the picture.
Both species have pale brown or grayish-brown upperparts with white underparts. Snowy Plover has a white forehead with a black patch of feathers on either side of the forehead. Piping Plover has a single black band across the crown and a black stripe along the breast.
The bill and legs of the two species are also slightly different in color.
The Snowy Plover has a wider range than the Piping Plover. Populations are found along the coasts of both North and South America. The Piping Plover is found primarily along the coasts of North America, including the Great Lakes region.
Both species scrape a shallow nest in the sand. Piping Plover typically lays one more egg than the Snowy Plover (4 eggs vs. 3-4 eggs). The eggs of the Piping Plover are slightly larger.
The Piping Plover is listed as endangered or threatened in some areas. It’s due to habitat loss, disturbance from beachgoers, and predation. Snowy Plover is considered a species of concern in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation.
As you can see, then the two species are very similar in appearance and behavior, but have some differences in range, nesting, and conservation status. Both species face threats from habitat loss and disturbance, and efforts are underway to protect their populations and habitat.
See the picture above how to identify Snowy Plover and Piping Plover.