Western Snowy Plover

Description:

The Pacific Coast population of the western snowy plover is federally listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as threatened. A small plover of beaches and barren ground, the Snowy Plover can be found across North and South America, Eurasia, and Africa. In North America it is restricted to the Gulf and Pacific coasts of the United States, and scattered inland localities from Saskatchewan to California and Texas.

Habitat:

sandy beaches with small dunes and vegetation

Notes:

There are small populations of breeding Snowy Plovers on the protected beaches of the San Mateo Coast. They are very vulnerable to predation and disturbance.