A Small but Mighty Treasure

A Small but Mighty Treasure

Western Snowy Plover

(Charadrius alexandrius nivosus)

by Cameron Lober

Michael L. Baird

The Western Snowy Plover is a small bird found along the western coast of North America. It is most commonly spotted along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and even down into Baja Mexico. It is generally about 5.9 to 6.6 inches long and weighs between 1.2 to 2 ounces. It receives its name of “Snowy Plover” because of its large white puffy belly. The Snowy plover’s back and wings are grey and it has several dark patches on its neck and shoulders. It has a thin dark bill and its particularly characteristic dark grey or blackish legs. They are usually found on the beaches where they forage for small invertebrates in the sand. They also nest and lay their eggs on the shore. If you have walked on the west coast beaches you have likely seen these little guys running around. The male plover assumes most of the duties of raising the chick but instead of feeding it, he leads it to suitable feeding areas. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

A Threatened Species

The Western Snowy Plover was listed as "Threatened" on the Endangered Species Act in 1993. If nothing is done to protect this species soon they are likely to become endangered. These shorebirds were once widely found along the Pacific coast but their number of breeding grounds has been declining. In Washington, the Snowy Plovers used to nest at five locations along the coast which has now decreased to three only five years later. In Oregon they were found nesting at over 29 locations which has now dwindled down to a mere ten breeding locations. A similar pattern has been found along the coast of California.

Salem-News.com

Causes for Population Decrease

 The populations of snowy Plovers along the coast have been steadily declining. The primary threat of the Snowy Plovers is habitat destruction and degradation. Human disturbance plays a large role in the declining populations. The breeding season for Western Snowy Plovers is during the summer season which is when most people actually spend time on the beach. Many human activities including running, horseback riding, dune riding, and campfires are all factors that are destroying the habitat that they breed, feed, and survive in. Urban development is also laying waste and taking over many of the beaches in which these snowy plovers live. Many condos, houses, and hotels are being built along the coast as well as piers and marinas. These not only remove some of the habitat that Western Snowy Plovers require for survival but it is also making the other areas in which they currently use for survival more unstable and susceptible to the natural forces of the Earth.  European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) has also taken over much of the habitat that these shorebirds survive in.

Michael L. Baird

Recovery Plan

The recovery plan for the Western Snowy Plover primarily focuses on increasing their population and protecting and monitoring their environment. The main goal to remove the Snowy Plover off of the Threatened list is to increase their population to at least 3,000 breeding adults and to maintain that standard for ten years in three recovery units along the Pacific Coast. During the last five years of recovery there must be a productivity of at least one chick per male. In order to protect their breeding habitats nests and enclosures are set up along beaches in order to protect them from predators. Restrictions on vehicles, dogs, and other beach activities are being enforced near their breeding sites. 

WesternSnowyPlover.org

There is a lot that you can do to help save the populations of Western Snowy Plovers. Volunteer today and make a difference at your local beaches. 

To learn more about the Western Snowy Plover and what is being done to protect this beautiful species visit http://westernsnowyplover.org/.

To volunteer today click here.