black-bellied plover

[ blak-bel-eed ]

noun

1. a large plover, Pluvialis squatarola, of both the New and Old Worlds, having black underparts when in nuptial plumage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black-bellied plover¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

This handsome bird is about the same size as the Black-bellied Plover (10.5 inches long).

From Project Gutenberg

The price of these birds at that time was 10 cents per dozen; mixed with them would be turnstones and black-bellied plover.

From Project Gutenberg

The call of the adult was two distinct curlewlike notes that differed from the slurred call of the black-bellied plover.

From Project Gutenberg

The Black-bellied Plover feeds largely on minute mollusks, shrimps, worms, sea insects and on various larvae found in the marshes.

From Project Gutenberg

The Black-bellied Plover gives but little attention to home building.

From Project Gutenberg