The western snowy plover (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus) is a small wader in the plover bird family. It breeds in the southern and western United States and in Mexico, while its non-breeding range extends to the Gulf Coast and south to Guatemala.
Effective April 5, 1993, the Pacific coast population of the western snowy plover is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.[1] From July 19, 2012, habitat along the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts is listed as critical for the survival of the Pacific distinct population segment.[1]