Abstract
Observation and photography of Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva have been conducted since 1978 at three sites: farmland in Omiya City, just north of Tokyo, tidal flat and adjacent farmland on the island of Okinawa, and on Chichijima island in the Benin islands. Analysis of photographs was used to distinguish three plumage patterns: juvenile, first winter and adult winter plumage. The juvenile plumage shows streaks on breast and forehead, and the back feathers are black with pale semicircular markings at the tip. The adult winter plumage lacks the streaking on breast and forehead. The back feathers show gradations between black and yellowish gold. The first winter plumage lacks the streaking, and has black feathers with pale fringes. The winter plumage show a strong yellowish gold tint immediately after molting, but this gradually fades into whitish.
