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OYSTERCATCHERS (HAEMATOPODIDAE; 1 SPECIES) Small worldwide

family of large stocky shorebirds with laterally compressed, bright orange-red bills, thick pink

legs. Ages differ slightly, sexes similar; adult appearance attained in 2nd year.

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER  Haematopus palliatus 40.5–45.5cm. Distinc­

tive, large, boldly patterned shorebird of sandy beaches, coastal lagoons, rocky

coasts, mudflats. Found as singles, pairs, occasionally small flocks at high-tide

roosts. Juv. has duller eyes and legs, black-tipped bill, faint pale buff edgings to

upperparts; often retains dark on bill tip through 1st year. SOUNDS:  Loud

piping and screaming calls, Wheeh and h’wheek, often run into shrill, at times

prolonged piping chatters; sharp keek in alarm near nest. STATUS: Uncommon

but local breeder on Pacific coast; more widespread Aug–May when also scarce

locally on Caribbean coast. (Americas.)

PLOVERS (CHARADRIIDAE; 8+ SPECIES) Worldwide family of small to large

shorebirds. Big eyes and short bills attest to visual hunting strategy, unlike probing and picking

of sandpipers. Most migrants show seasonal variation; residents similar year-round. Ages

usually differ, with juv. resembling nonbr.; attain adult appearance in 1st year. Sexes usually

differ slightly, at least in breeding plumage, with males having more extensive black on face

and underparts.

*CAYENNE [SOUTHERN] LAPWING  Vanellus [chilensis] cayennensis 34–

36cm. Large, spectacular shorebird of open areas, from ranchland with scattered

ponds to soccer fields in rural towns; wetlands, riverbanks, lakeshores. Flies

with unhurried bowed wingbeats suggesting a heron. No similar species in

Costa Rica: note wispy crest, black chest shield, big white wing panels in flight.

Juv. has duller eyes and legs, shorter crest, pale scaly edgings to upperparts; like

adult in 1–2 months. SOUNDS: Can be noisy, including at night (cf. Double-

striped Thick-knee): varied strident barks, yaps, and shrieking cries, mainly

when disturbed and in display. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common, mainly

below 1800m but with records to 3000m or higher. First recorded Costa Rica in mid-1990s and still

expanding its range. (S America, spreading to Cen America.)

BLACK-BELLIED (GRAY) PLOVER  Pluvialis squatarola 26.5–28cm. Large

bulky migrant plover of varied coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to mudflats,

coastal lagoons, rocky areas; also inland to nearby fields; rarely inland lakeshores.

Locally in flocks, associating readily with other shorebirds. Note large bulk,

stout bill; in flight note white rump, white wingstripe, black ‘armpits,’ cf.

American Golden Plover. Attains breeding plumage Feb–Apr. Juv. (Sep–Jan)

resembles neat version of nonbr. plumage, with streaked breast, finely spangled

upperparts. SOUNDS: Melancholy slurred whistles, heéueeh and chweéee; typically

lower, more drawn-out than American Golden Plover. STATUS: Fairly common

to common Aug–May on both coasts, scarce inland in nw. lowlands; small numbers oversummer locally.

(Breeds n. Eurasia and N America, winters almost worldwide.)

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER  Pluvialis dominica 24–25.5cm. Medium-

size, long-winged transient migrant plover found in grassland, farmland, at

lakeshores, less often open beaches, rarely mudflats and rocky shorelines.

Singles and small groups, often with Black-bellied Plovers. Smaller and slimmer

than Black-bellied, with slender bill, mostly dark upperparts (narrow whitish

wingstripe), dusky underwings; lacks small hind toe of Black-bellied. Juv. and

nonbr. plumages rather dull above, not golden, with contrasting dark cap and

whitish eyebrow. Attains breeding plumage Apr–May, at staging areas mainly n.

of Costa Rica. SOUNDS: Varied plaintive whistles including fairly mellow ch’weít

and flutier, more rolled chweél. STATUS: Uncommon Mar–early May, scarce Sep–early Dec, in coastal

lowlands on both slopes, locally inland to 1500m, exceptionally in highlands; most numerous on Pacific

slope. (Breeds N America, winters S America.)