(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - plover, piping OTHER COMMON NAMES - ELEMENT CODE - 05/11/84 AOU CODE - 09/08/86 03/28/88 CATEGORY - Birds PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - Chordata, Vertebrata CLASS AND SUBCLASS - Aves, Neornithes ORDER AND SUBORDER - Charadriiformes, Charadrii FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - Charadriidae, Charadriinae GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Charadrius, SPECIES AND SSP - melodus, melodus SCIENTIFIC NAME - Charadrius melodus melodus AUTHORITY - Ord TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 528, 700, 575, 404, 8811 and 8807 COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - This species belongs to the Superorder Neognathae *404*. Other scientific names once used include Aegialitis meloda, Charadrius hiaticula, and Charadrius melodus circumcinctus *8811*. This subspecies is found on the Atlantic Coast and C. m. circumcinctus is found on the Northern Great Plains although there is some question about the validity of a subspecific status *8807*. Taxonomy - 1
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



STATUS

Coded Status Sensitive Federal Migratory See Comments E: Federal Endangered Endangered throughout range Plan approved by Director T: Federal Threatened REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 9227, 4447, 671, 8807, 8811 and 274 COMMENTS ON STATUS - In support of Via's conclusion: according to National Audubon Society's Blue List, which has listed the piping plover for nine years (1973-1981), the numbers of this species have been drastically reduced over 60 miles of barrier islands in Virginia *671*. This species breeds along the coast on the barrier isles. It is an uncommon transient and summer resident on the immediate coast and in the lower Cheaspeake Bay. It is a rare transient inland along the Potomac River and a rare winter resident *8511*. This species was used for consumptive recreation in the early 20th Century *8811*. It is Threatened in Virginia and protected by the Lacey Act *8811*. Recreational and commercial development has caused a reduction in habitat due to loss of sandy beach areas and other littoral habitat *8811*. Atlantic coast dune stabilization has also caused some decline in the species *8811*. There is an estimated 100 pairs of piping plovers on the Atlantic Coast of Virginia. A 1986 copilation of recent censuses shows an estimated 790 breeding pairs in the Atlantic Coast population, with 550 pairs in the U.S. and 240 pairs in Canada. This species no longer nests at the extreme edges of its range. Because the plover does not now nest on many beaches where it once nested, and still appear suitable, suggests that disturbance or the direct loss of nests are the most critical contributors to the population decrease *8807*. Status - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Distribution
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



DISTRIBUTION

References on County Occurrence - 001, 115, 131, 650 and 740 References on Seasonal Occurrence - This is an uncommon transient and summer resident on the immediate coast and in the lower Chesapeake Bay. It is a rare winter resident. Peak counts are spring--65, Chincoteague, 02 April 1969; fall--60, Chincoteague, 21 September 1968; winter--15, Cape Charles CBC, 29 December 1973. Mountain and Valley section of western Virginia--1, Roanoke, 17 August 1978 *700*. References on County Abundance - 001, 115, 131, 650 and 740 REFERENCES FOR HYDROLOGIC UNIT CODES - 001, 115, 131, 650 and 740 OTHER DISTRIBUTION REFERENCES FOR OTHER DISTRIBUTION - A Comments on Distribution - This is an uncommon transient and summer resident on immediate coast and in the lower Chesapeake Bay. It is a rare transient in land along the Potomac River, and a rare winter resident *8511*. Distribution - 1
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - Terrestrial REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 8811 LAND USE - Water Bays and Estuaries Chesapeake Bay Atlantic Ocean Coastal Waters Wetland Nonforested Wetland Barren Land Dry Salt Flats Beaches Sandy Areas other than Beaches REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 541, 432, 624 and 8807 NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Estuarine P Estuarine FL. Estuarine, intertidal FL. Riverine BB. Riverine Riverine, lower perennial BB. Lacustrine Lacustrine BB. Lacustrine, littoral BB2 Palustrine Palustrine FL. Marine Marine BB. Marine FL. Marine, intertidal BB1 Marine, intertidal BB2 Marine, intertidal FL1 Marine, intertidal FL3 Estuarine Estuarine BB. Estuarine FL. Estuarine, intertidal BB1 Estuarine, intertidal BB2 Estuarine, intertidal FL1 Estuarine, intertidal FL2 Estuarine, intertidal FL3 Palustrine FL1 Palustrine FL2 Palustrine FL3 Palustrine UB1 Palustrine UB2 Palustrine UB3 Lacustrine, littoral BB1 Lacustrine, littoral BB2 Lacustrine, littoral FL1 Lacustrine, littoral FL2 Habitat Associations - 1 NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Lacustrine, littoral FL3 Lacustrine, littoral UB1 Lacustrine, littoral UB2 Lacustrine, littoral UB3 Riverine, tidal BB1 Riverine, tidal BB2 Riverine, tidal FL1 Riverine, tidal FL2 Riverine, tidal FL3 Riverine, tidal FL4 Riverine, tidal UB1 Riverine, tidal UB2 Riverine, tidal UB3 Riverine, tidal UB4 Riverine, lower perennial BB1 Riverine, lower perennial BB2 Riverine, lower perennial FL1 Riverine, lower perennial FL2 Riverine, lower perennial FL3 Riverine, lower perennial FL4 Riverine, lower perennial UB1 Riverine, lower perennial UB2 Riverine, lower perennial UB3 Riverine, lower perennial UB4 REFERENCES FOR NWI - 676, 432 and 8811 COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - Barrier islands are the most important piping plover breeding areas in Virginia and Maryland *218*. This is an inland aquatic and coastal species *8811*. The piping plovers nest on the drier parts of sandy beaches, well above high water mark, near dunes *507,8811*, where the surface is becoming more diversified with pebbles and broken shells and where beach grass is appearing *432,624*. This species does not tolerate much vegetation *458*. Additional nesting areas include sand flats at the ends of sandspits and barrier islands, gently sloping foredunes, blowout areas behind primary dunes, and washover areas cut into or between dunes. They may also nest in areas where suitable dredge spoil has been deposited *8807*. Foraging habitat includes intertidal beach along the shorelines of isolated dune ponds, tidal flats on the lagoon side of barrier beaches and tidal mudflats in saltmarshes behind beaches used for nesting *8807*. In one study on Assateague Island, plovers foraged on high energy beach, bayside mud and sand flats, temporary saltwater pools formed by extremely high tides, and on a drawn down waterfowl impoundment *218*. ANIMAL/PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - Domestic dogs Domestic cats Gulls Skunks Foxes Racoons Cattle REFERENCES FOR SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - 8811 Habitat Associations - 2 COMMENTS ON SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - This species is preyed on by domestic dogs and cats, gulls, skunks, foxes and racoons. The nests are trampled by cattle *8811*. POTENTIAL NATURAL VEGETATION - 065 Northern Cordgrass Prairie (Distichlis-Spartina) 101 Oak - Hickory - Pine Forest (Quercus-Carya-Pinus) 103 Southern Floodplain Forest (Quercus-Nyssa-Taxodium) REFERENCES FOR PNV - 700, 4452, 4469, 4401, 4709, 4755 and 6383 ECOREGION - Southeastern Mixed Forest: Flat Plains REFERENCES FOR ECOREGION - 700 Habitat Associations - 3
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - Carnivore REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 528, 432 and 8811 LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General Molluscs Not Specified General Crustaceans Not Specified General Insects Not Specified General See Comments; Food See Comments Adult Molluscs Not Specified Adult Crustaceans Not Specified Adult Insects Not Specified Adult See Comments; Food See Comments Adult Coleoptera Not Specified Adult Diptera Larva stage REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 432 and 8811 REFERENCES FOR ADULT FOOD - 541 and 432 COMMENTS ON FOOD - Via claims that this species also eat seeds found along the dry sandy beaches *692*. Bent cites that stomach analysis also revealed beetles, fly larvae, marine worms and other marine animals and their eggs *432*, spiders, centipeds, millipeds and snails *8811*. COMMENTS ON ADULT FOOD - The adults feed on marine worms, fly larvae, beetles, insects, crustaceans, mollusks and other small animals of sandy beaches *528,432*. Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae L = Larvae E = Egg RL = Resting Larvae FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS G Substrate: Sand G Water Level: Specified in Comments G Coastal Features: Sand beaches G Coastal Features: Sandy offshore islands G Coastal Features: Rocky beaches G Coastal Features: Rocky offshore islands G Coastal Features: Dunes FA Coastal Features: Sand beaches FA Coastal Features: Mudflats BA Coastal Features: Sand bars REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 432, 692, 624 and 8811 REFERENCES FOR FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 8811 REFERENCES FOR BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 8811 REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - -- COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS - The nest sites are on the sandy shore of a lake or ocean, well above the high water mark *432*. On the coast, the nest site is near the dunes *507*, and usually characterized as on sand bars *8811*. They use sand flats at the ends of sandpits and barrier islands, gently sloping foredunes, blowout areas behind primary dunes and washover areas cut into or between dunes. They also may nest on areas where suitable dredge spoil has been deposited *8807*. COMMENTS ON BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - The nest sites are relatively flat with substrates ranging from fine sand to mixtures of sand, shells, cobble or pebbles. The nests occur most often at sites with little or no vegetation, but may be found in moderately dense stands of beachgrass *8807*. COMMENTS ON LARVAE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - G-00090B G-00200S G-00420B G-00420H Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 G-00420J G-00420G G-00420E FA-00420B FA-00420D BA-00420C Environment Associations - 2
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



LIFE HISTORY

Physical description: This is a belted plover with a body length of 17 cm and a weight of from 46-64 grams. The wing length span is 11.1-12.7 cm, the tarsi range from 2.1-2.4 cm and the culmen length vary from 1.0 to 1.4 cm. The adults have sand colored upper body parts, white under- sides and orange legs. During the breeding season, adults aquire single black forehead and breast bands, and orange bills. The males have brighter bands than the females and inland birds have more complete bands than the East Coast birds. Post-breeding birds lose the bands and orange on their bills. Fledgling plumage is similar to the adult post-breeding plumage. Juveniles acquire adult plumage in the spring after they hatch *8811*. Reproduction: The eggs are layed from the end of April to the beginning of July. Downy young are evident to the beginning of August *700*. There are usually 4 eggs, and 1 brood per season *432*. Incubation is shared by both sexes and takes 27-28 days *507*. A second nesting attempt (which is sometimes necessitated by predation), has smaller clutches (2-3 eggs) *507*. They will begin full-time incubation with the completion of the clutch *8807*. The nests are placed on sand, gravel and/or cobbled marine beaches along the Atlantic coast from Maine to North Carolina. They also nest on off-shore islands with appropriate habitat. They place the nests at the base of dunes or close to the vegetative edge. Breeding birds feed on their territories. For nesting, they prefer wider beaches with more gravel which is evenly distributed. Vegetation is more scarce and more clumped on nesting territories. Territories with more gravel then alkali were more successful. The males initiate nest scrape digging on unvegetated sand or gravel, away from vegetation and high on the beach line. Both sexes perform a stone-tossing behavior whereby nest-scrapes are lined with small pebbles or shell fragments. The completed nest cups are 2 cm deep and 6 cm in diameter. This species is monogamous, but they may change mates from year to year *8807*. The piping plovers return to their breeding grounds in mid-March in Virginia. They will tend to return to beaches where they have previously nested and males showed greater nest fidelity than the females. Plovers are known to breed at age 1 although they may be late nesters. The male aggressively defends the breeding territory from other males and mammals. The courtship involves elliptical and figure-8 flights over the nesting territory. The nests are usually 200 feet or more apart; seldom closer than 100 feet. Incubation averages 27-30+ days. The chicks are precocial and remain in the nest only until their down is dry. At 11-25 days 90 percent of the chicks activity is devoted to feeding *8807*. Behavior: The nest site is on a sandy beach of a lake or ocean *432*. On the Virginia coast, the nest site is near the dunes, well above high tide *692*. Nests of piping plovers are usually located a good distance from each other usually from *100-200 feet *507*. The nest is a slight hollow in the sand, sometimes lined or rimmed with pebbles or broken shell. Driftwood and/or beach grass clumps are often nearby *432,507*. The young are precocial, and the parents are not involved in feeding them *432*. Foraging takes place on Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 the beach, from the vegetated areas of the dunes to the shallow waters *432*. Piping plovers are solitary feeders *432*, although sometimes seen in small flocks *624*. The fall migration occurs shortly after nesting activities are completed *432*. This species winters on the south Atlantic coast from South Carolina to Florida *404*, and they are diurnal, day only *432*. Breeding site fidelity ranges from 15% in Nova Scotia to 68% in Manitoba and Minnesota. Natal philopatry ranges from 4.7% return in New York to 20.2 % return in Minnesota. Those that experience nesting failure will generally change areas *8811*. They will use a variety of distraction behaviors including squatting, false brooding, running, and injury feigning. These are most frequent around the time of hatching. Plovers have been observed eating marine worms, fly larvae, beetles, crustaceans, mollusks and other invertebrates. Most feeding occurs during low or falling tides. During high tides, inclement weather, or as darkness falls, the adults escort the chicks to cover or to their former nesting territories. They have been observed feeding in the form of rapid runs with interspersed seemingly random pecks. Migration patterns are not well understood. Both spring and fall migrations are thought to follow a narrow strip along the Atlantic Coast. They migrate north during February, March and early April and south during late July and August. Most plovers that breed on the Atlantic Coast, winter from North Carolina to Key West, Florida. They generally show more intense responces to humans than to potential predetors or non-predatory species. The average distance an incubating plover left the nest, when approached was 43 meters, but ranged from more than 85 meters to 5 or 10 meters *8807*. Origin: This subspecies is identified as native to Virginia *462,404*. Limiting factors: This species is limited by human contact, predators and recreational, residential and industrial development. It has been found that the chick surviorship was significantly decreased by higher level of recreational activity. Most chick loss, in this case, occured between the ages of 10-17 days *8807*. Population parameters: This species was hunted heavily in the late 1800's, but the removal of smaller plovers, including this species, from classification as gamebirds resulted in the population becoming common again as of 1929 when Bent's Life Histories were published *432*. As of 1978, this subspecies had not recovered from this near-elimination caused by hunting. It was cited as a declining breeding species in Virginia *692*. Habitat change, disturbance of nesting birds and direct destruction of eggs or young are possible causes of reduced reproductive success *458*. Using the highest estimates, Cairns and McLaren 1980 feel that at most 910 pairs (not necessarily breeding) of piping plovers now nest on the east coast of North America *458*. Males and females can breed their first spring after hatching. This species may live 12 years or more. 13% of females and 28% of males lived to be 5 years or older *8811*. There is better hatching success where several pairs nested, rather than at isolated nests *8807*. Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 LIFE HISTORY CODES - Breeding Spawning Season: April Breeding/Spawning Season: May Breeding/Spawning Season: June Breeding/Spawning Season: July Mating System (Single breeding season): Monogamy (mal Display Site: Ground Display Site: Air Nest/Den Site: Depression Nest Materials: Sand Nest Materials: Gravel Nest Materials: Inorganic debris Gestation/Incubation Period: 3-4 weeks Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: 3-4 Number of Broods/Litters (Reproductive Efforts) Per Ye Development of Young at Birth/Hatching: Precocial Periodicity: Active in day REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 432, 462, 692, 404, 624, 507, 458, 8811 and 8807 Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                               Species plover, piping
                                 Species Id M040120
                                   Date 26 AUG 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations Beneficial Maintaining wilderness environment Beneficial Creating impoundments Beneficial Developing/maintaining mudflats Beneficial Other management practices [specified in comments] Beneficial Predator control Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas Beneficial Maintaining early stages of ecological succession Beneficial Establishing/maintaining nesting and escape cover Beneficial Developing/maintaining suitable salinity Beneficial Controlling water levels Beneficial Providing artificial nesting/spawning sites Beneficial Controlling undesirable vertebrate species Beneficial Controlling undesirable plant species Adverse Channelization Adverse Construction of navigational improvements [dams, locks, etc.] Adverse Channel realignment Adverse Controlling water levels Adverse Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes Existing Restricting/regulating human use of habitats Existing Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations Existing Public education - publicity Existing Installing protective fences Existing Predator control Existing Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas REFERENCES FOR BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 528, 432 and 8811 REFERENCES FOR ADVERSE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 528 and 432 REFERENCES FOR EXISTING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 8811 and 8807 COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - It is beneficial to maintain undisturbed resting areas for migrating birds *528,432*. General protection of the breeding areas is needed, especially on barrier islands where the development is a more remote possibility *692*. In areas where plovers feed primarily on the high energy beach, it may be necessary to close the beach to recreational use even if nest sites can be adequately protected *218*. Industrial pollution, intensive recreational development *528,432*, and off- road vehicles are adverse to this species *8811*. It is recommended that scientific studies be undertaken to facilitate and enhance recovery efforts. In Virginia, the Fish and Wildlife service should acquire unprotected portions of land in the barrier island chain including Cedar Island and portions of Assawoman and Metomkin Islands. See reference *8807* for a detailed narrative of the Recovery Plan. One study found that nest predation was the leading cause Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 of nest loss, and that red foxes and raccoons were the primary predators. The researcher felt that efforts to improve productivity should focus on reducing nest predation *218*. Recommendations were: since one or two predators may be responsible for the predation in a single nesting area, and since foxes and raccoons may readily disperse into vacant habitat, unfocused trapping will probably not be effective. If trapping is used, efforts should be concentrated on specific individuals immediately prior to the breeding season. During the breeding season, nesting areas should be monitored for predators and trapping should be continued as often as needed to keep the nesting area predator free *218*. Electric fences have been used to reduce fox activity in some shorebird nesting areas *218*. Predator exclosures constructed around individual nests are another alternative. Raccoons appear to be the major predators of piping plover nests on Cape Lookout National Seashore . Predator exclosures constructed around individual nests have proven effective in reducing fox predation in some areas. Efforts should be made to remove all feral cats from the the Core Banks of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. If trapping is considered, the optimal time period may be during winter when food sources may be scarce. Since feral cats and raccoons were introduced to the National Seashore by man, trapping and removal or eradication will not depart from Park philosophy on protecting the Park's natural resources *216*. To control human activity at nesting and brood foraging sites, symbolic fencing can be erected prior to mid-April before nest initiation. In some areas, complete closing of access to the beach to visitors from mid-April to Mid-August is recommended *216*. Corridors can be established from mid-April to mid-August to prevent the likelihood of vehicles destroying plover nests or crushing chicks *216*. Camping should be prohibited in nesting locations to prevent pitching camp near plover nests. If camping is continued on the Cape Lookout National Seashore islands, perhaps it should be restricted to permanent designated camp sites *216*. Law enforcement patrols need to be increased during the breeding season at some nesting locations. Law enforcement issues which need to be addressed are pet leash laws, visitors entering posted bird colonies and ORV's driving in nondesignated areas, especially at plover nesting and foraging locations *216*. Day-old to week-old chicks have a tendency to lie still in a depression or rut when approached by a predator. Chicks exhibit this behavior when approached by a human or vehicle. Degradation of foraging habitat may occur while foraging area is being reduced by vehicles compacting the sand *216*. Since artificial beach stabilization reduces overwash, forms narrower, steeper beaches, and promotes vegetation growth, it is possible that these efforts degrade plover breeding habitat by decreasing the availability and accessibility of important foraging habitats *218*. Some studies have found that symbolic fencing is not an adequate method of restricting human presence in nesting areas. Pedestrians, vehicles and unleashed dogs entered closed areas. The exclusion of park visitors and their pets in nesting areas should be strictly enforced. An increased presence of park officials would likely be a deterrent to those who consider ignoring park regulations. If the current level of staffing is insufficient, hiring new personnel, perhaps specifically for natural Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 resource protection and education, may be necessary. Volunteers are an excellent source of manpower. For example, local bird clubs can be trained to document bird use areas, post them, protect them from distrubance and educate visitors as to why regulations protecting wildlife areas are important *217*. Once nesting areas have been identified, they should be protected from human disturbance during territory establishement rather than after nests are initiated, so the recreationists do not limit the area available for nesting *217*. Management Practices - 3
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                                  Species plover, piping
                                    Species Id M040120
                                      Date 26 AUG 96



     

References

216 * McConnaughey, J.L., Fraser, J.D., Coutu, S.D., Loegering, J.P. 1990. Piping Plover Distribution and Reproductive Success on Cape Lookout National Seashore. (ed.). VA Tech Fisheries and Wildlife Department Blacksburg, VA:67. 217 * Coutu, S.D. 1990. Piping Plover Distribution and Reproductive Success on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. (ed.). VA Tech Fisheries and Wildlife Department Blacksburg, VA:67. 218 * Patterson, M.E. 1988. Piping Plover Breeding Biology and Reproductive Success on Assateague Island. (ed.). VA Tech Master's Thesis, Fisheries and Wildlife Department Blacksburg, VA:131. 404 * Union, American Ornithologists'. 1957. Check-list of North American Birds. (ed.). American Ornithologists' Union Baltimore, Md:691. 432 * Bent, A.C. 1929. Life histories of North American shore birds. Bull. 146 (ed.). U.S. Natl. Mus. Washington, D.C:412. 458 * Cairns, W.E. 1980. Status of the piping plover on the east coast of North America: A summary of our recent knowledge of this blue-listed species. Am. Birds 34 (ed.):206-208. 462 * Assoc, Checklist Comm. Am. Birding. 1975. American Birding Association checklist: Birds of continental United States and Canada. (ed.):64. 507 * Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide to Birds' Nests of 285 Species Found Breeding in the United States East of the Mississippi River. Peterson Field Guide Series No. 121 (ed.). Houghton Mifflin Boston, Massachusetts:257. 528 * Imhof, T.A. 1976. Alabama Birds, 2nd Ed. (ed.). Univ. Alabama Press:445. 541 * Johnsgard, P.A. 1981. The Plovers, Sandpipers, and Snipes of the World. (ed.). Univ. Nebraska Press Lincoln:493. 575 * Mayr, E. 1969. Principles of Systematic Zoology. (ed.). McGraw-Hill New York, N.Y:428. 624 * Robbins, C.S. 1966. Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. (ed.). Golden Press New York, N.Y:340. 671 * Tate, J., Jr. 1981. The Blue List for 1981: the first decade. Am. Birds 35 (ed.):3-10. 676 * Todd, W.E.C. 1940. Birds of Western Pennsylvania. (ed.). Univ. Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, Penn:710. References - 1 (DRAFT) - References Species plover, piping Species Id M040120 Date 26 AUG 96 692 * Via, J.W. 1979. Piping plover. Proc. Symp. on Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of Virginia Linzey, D.W. (ed.). Ext. Div., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ. Blacksburg, Va:431-432. 700 * Ornithology, Virginia Society of. 1979. Virginia's Birdlife: An Annotated Check-list. Virginia Avifauna No. 2 (ed.). Virginia Society of Ornithology Lynchburg, Va:118. 706 * Warren, B.H. 1890. Birds of Pennsylvania. (ed.). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Penn:434. 725 * Wood, M. 1979. Birds of Pennsylvania. (ed.). Penn State University University Park, Pennsylvania:133. 733 * Commission, Pennsylvania Game. 1977. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Game Laws. (ed.). Penn. Game Comm. Harrisburg, Penn:137. 1257 * Peterson, R.T. 1980. Birds of eastern and central North America. 4th Ed.. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston, Mass:384. 4401 * Anderson, D. 1976. Spring survey. Bluebird 43(1) (ed.):17-22. 4447 * Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife. 1985. 50(66) (ed.):15. 4452 * Wilson, J.D.. MO Dept. of Conservation (ed.). 4469 * Fredrickson, L.H.. Personal communication. (ed.). 4709 * Anderson, R. 1962. Summer survey. Bluebird 29(3) (ed.):19-23. 4755 * Robbins, M. 1977. Spring survey. Bluebird 44(4) (ed.):24-28. 6383 * Anderson, D. 1963. Spring survey. Bluebird 30(2) (ed.):20-28. 8807 * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Recovery Plan. (ed.). Newton Corner, Massachusetts:77. 8811 * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. Endangered Species Information Booklet: Piping Plover. Endangered Species Information Booklet (ed.). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Arlington, Virginia. References - 2