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Mountain plovers
Mountain plovers are one of only 12 grassland birds endemic to the western Great Plains. They nest across the western Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states, from the Canadian border to northern Mexico, and winter in California, southern Arizona, Texas and Mexico. Mountain plovers only nest in areas with sparse vegetation or bare ground, such as prairie dog towns. Loss of these areas because of crop planting or the removal of prairie dogs, is the biggest threat to the mountain plover's population.
Mountain plover facts
- Status View status categories and descriptions
- Near threatened
- Population
- 15,000–20,000
- Scientific name
- Charadrius montanus
- Weight
- 3.6 ounces
- Height
- 5–9 inches
- Length
- 8–10 inches
- Habitats
- Grasslands
Threats to mountain plovers
The loss of nesting habitat is the biggest threat to mountain plovers. Prairie dog colony extermination, lack of natural fire regimes, and the conversion of native prairie for agriculture and energy development all contribute to habitat loss and change.
© Steve Morello / WWF-US
How WWF is taking action to protect mountain plovers
WWF works with researchers and landowners to understand the needs of mountain plovers and to assess how land management and climate change impact the bird.
How you can help
© WWF-US OGC
Symbolic species adoptions
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