Status of the Snowy Plover in Canada

The Snowy Plover Anarhynchus nivosus is rarely observed in Canada. In total, there have been 103 records reported from 1964 to 2023: 102 in five provinces and one in the Yukon territory. The only province in Canada where breeding has been confirmed is Saskatchewan. Snowy Plover breeding habitat in that province is typically large saline lakes where they breed sympatrically with Piping Plovers Charadrius melodus. Habitats used by nonbreeding Snowy Plovers in Canada included marine coastal shores, saline interior wetlands, and freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Canada’s Snowy Plover breeding population is estimated to be only 1–2 pairs when nesting occurs. I suggest the Canadian status of the Snowy Plover be considered as a rare, regular visitor and, on occasion, a very rare local breeder.