General
Eurasian Dotterel: Medium-sized shorebird with gray upperparts, rust-brown flanks and belly with black lower margin, and white vent. Narrow white breast band is prominent. Cap is dark and two white eyestripes meet in a V at nape. Feet and legs are yellow. Female is similar but brighter. Winter adult and juvenile are duller with buff eyebrows, vague breast band, scaled gray-brown back, and white or buff underparts.
Range and Habitat
Eurasian Dotterel: This species is a native of Eurasia. It occurs occasionally in northwestern Alaska during summer months, and has also been recorded along the Pacific Coast to southern California. Nests on plateaus and mountain slopes below highest tops; prefers dry sandy or stony areas on high plateaus during winter.
Breeding and Nesting
Eurasian Dotterel: Three brown olive eggs with black blotches are laid on the ground in a deep depression lined with leaves and lichens. Incubation ranges from 24 to 28 days and is carried out by the male.
Foraging and Feeding
Eurasian Dotterel: Eats insects, worms, and mollusks.
Vocalization
Eurasian Dotterel: Song is a whistled "pweet-pweet-pweet." When alarmed utters a loud trill.
Similar Species
Eurasian Dotterel: Winter and immature American Golden Plovers have dark legs and feet, and lack pale breast bands.