Plover, Greater Sand

Conservation status:

Common

Description:

Resembles larger version of Lesser Sand (which see for further details), and isolated individuals can be almost impossible to separate. Note especially: larger size (obviously larger than Ringed); longer, more pointed bill, and larger, more angular head and big eye; sometimes reminiscent in shape of much larger Grey Plover; longer, usually yellowish green legs (especially thighs) with toes projecting well beyond tail-tip in flight, call often more trilling. From most other plovers by lack of white hindneck-collar or by size; Caspian is slimmer with proportionally longer legs, and wings protrude well beyond tail when perched; head is more rounded with broader supercilium, underwing is dusky, and it has only a faint white wing-bar.