Taxonomy, distribution, and evolution of golden plovers (pluvialis dominica and pluvialis fulva)

A discriminant function analysis of specimen measurements separates 96% of two forms of Lesser Golden Plover in breeding plumage, previously described as subspecies. The forms breed sympatrically in northwest Alaska and are not isolated by habitat, but the incidence of specimens phenotypically intermediate between the two forms is no higher there than in areas of allopatry. The absence of a cline of intergrades or of a hybrid zone indicates that the forms are reproductively isolated through assortative mating and are separatespecies.

PETER G. CONNORS, The Auk 100: 607-620. July 1983