Genetic research published in 2009 strongly suggested that the snowy plover is a separate species from the Kentish plover,[REF] and by July, 2011, the International Ornithological Congress (IOC), and the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) North American committee have recognized them as separate species.
Physically, snowy plovers are shorter-legged, paler and greyer above than its Old World sister species, and breeding males lack a rufous cap.