PIPING PLOVER Charadrius melodus

Although related to similar small plovers, this is a quite distinctive bird in breeding plumage, due mainly to its paleness and bicoloured bill. In decline due mainly to human leisure activities on the beaches where it breeds, many nests are roped-off, unfortunately not allowing a close approach. However, if you're lucky, birds will move out of restricted areas and away from the nest are often quite tame. It breeds only in the USA (East coast and some inland lakes).

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