Western snowy plover (Anarynchus nivosus)

Conservation Threats and Actions Needed

• Habitat loss or degradation
  • Threat: Loss of habitat due to the introduction of non-native American and European beach grasses. Approximately 90 percent of snowy plover habitat has been lost across its breeding range.
  • Action Needed: Continue programs to enhance nesting habitat by removing beach grass in key areas.
  • Threat: Human disturbance caused by recreation; beach walkers, unleashed dogs, cars.
  • Action Needed: Continue efforts to reduce disturbance to areas used by plovers, including posting signage around protected areas and encouraging compliance by beachgoers.
• Problematic native species
  • Threat: Nest predation by corvids such as American crows and common ravens.   
  • Action Needed: Control nest predation; continue ongoing predator management program.
• Resource information collection needs  
  • Threat: Information gaps about snowy plovers
  • Action Needed: Continue annual surveys conducted during breeding and winter periods.

See the Climate vulnerability section above for information about the threats posed by climate change to this species.

Our Conservation Efforts

WDFW has conducted monitoring surveys and research of the snowy plover population in Washington for multiple decades in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2013, a predator management strategy that included direct hazing and removal of crows and ravens, the main nest predators, was initiated on Washington nesting beaches and may be contributing to improved nesting and fledging success in recent years. In 2024, WDFW initiated a study to understand predator management strategies and how they relate to plover nesting and fledging success.

According to the Washington State Recovery Plan for the Snowy Plover, the species will be considered for down listing to threatened when the state supports a 4-year average of at least 25 breeding pairs that fledge an average of at least one young per adult male per year at two or more nesting areas with “secure” habitat.

As of Spring 2024, the 4-year average was between 35-41 breeding pairs, exceeding recovery goals. The 2024 breeding season also estimated an average of 1.03 fledged chicks per male averaged across monitored sites, barely above recovery goals. Gaps in monitoring do not allow for full confidence in that metric, however.

The population estimated exceeded 100 individual adults for the first time in 2024, with an estimate of 123 breeding adults. However, challenges persist. A population viability analysis suggested that the West Coast population would not reach the recovery objective of 3,000 individuals identified in the federal recovery plan without additional habitat restoration. As a result, control of beach grass and management to reduce human disturbance are ongoing. Although the snowy plover population in the region appears to be increasing as a result of management actions in Washington and Oregon, the species in Washington is still state listed as endangered.

Watch this video about the life history of snowy plovers and species recovery efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the State of Oregon and learn what people can do to share the beach with this special bird.