Plovers

Semipalmated Plover, Charadrius semipalmatus

Family Charadriidae (Plovers)

Size: 7"

Season: Spring and fall migrant

Habitat: Open sand or mudflats, coastal beaches

The semipalmated plover is a small, plump plover with pointed wings, large black eyes, and a relatively large, rounded head. It has a dark-brown back and crown, is white below, and has a small, orange bill with a dark tip. The head has dark bands across the eyes and encircling the neck. The legs and feet are yellow. Winter and breeding plumages are similar, with the exception of an all-dark bill and a lighter supercilium in winter. This widespread plover flies in flocks but disperses to feed, when it uses fast running interrupted by sudden stops to probe for invertebrates. The plover’s name is derived from the partial webbing at the base of its toes. The breeding adult (bottom) and winter/nonbreeding adult (top) are illustrated.