This is an adult male early autumn arrival. This species formerly nested here at Venice Beach but sadly have failed to do so in recent years. They like sandy beaches where loose dogs, people and dune buggies often disrupt breeding attempts. Because of continued population declines, this species is Federally listed as threatened, and California lists it as a species of special concern. Formerly considered a race of the Eurasian Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), these North American birds were split into a separate species in 2011 on the basis of differences in male calls, morphology, and genetics. Two races are currently recognized. This is the nominate North American race. The larger C. n. occidentalis ranges along the West Coast of South America (Peru & Chile) and lacks the dark lores of the North American birds.
