Due to loss of habitat, grazing, and hunting, this shorebird of the grasslands was once more abundant in native prairie and open grasslands of the Great Plains.
The upland plovers are related to curlews with a small head, white eyering, thin neck, and long tail supported by yellow legs, a short yellow bill with a dark tip, and a gentle, dovelike expression on its light face.
Nesting on four- to eight-inch tall grassy fields, migrants will also choose the same habitat, like recently mowed hay fields, blueberry barrens in the northeast, and playing fields. Oklahoma egg dates are usually in May or June and are single brooded.
Mostly a migrant in Oklahoma, though still breeding in a small segment of the north central portion of the state, they perch upon fenceposts and telephone poles. They enjoy common plains insects, as well as grain, seeds, and earthworms.
Wikipedia.org
They will sometimes nest in loose colonies, with the nest on the ground in dense grass. The parents
behave like a Killdeer with distraction displays, attempting to lure any possible predator away from the area.
Controlled burns could benefit the species, since they like short grassy fields.
Once known as Bartram's Sandpiper, this bird was named after American naturalist and artist William Bartram. He explored the American southeast, especially Florida, to record nature at its best, as well as native Americans and called his book Travels, which was very well received in Europe. Ornithologist Alexander Wilson of Wilson's Phalarope fame named the sandpiper in honor of this classic.
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