Named for the partial webbing between its long toes, the semipalmated plover is a relatively common shorebird in North America but is better identified through other field marks, since those feet and toes are often obscured in the mud and sand this bird prefers.

Common Name:

Semipalmated Plover, Semi-Palmated Plover

Scientific Name:

Charadrius semipalmatus

Scientific Family:

Charadriidae

Appearance:

• Bill: Straight, stout, relatively small, orange with a noticeable black tip in the breeding season, almost fully black in winter

• Size: 7 inches long with 14-15-inch wingspan, long wings, somewhat long legs compared to other shorebirds of similar size
• Colors: Buff, brown, white, black, orange, yellow
• Markings: Genders are similar though males have marginally more black to their markings. The upperparts are uniformly brown and the head is marked with a wide black band across the forehead and a thinner black band across the base of the bill. The auriculars are black, and the dark eye is framed with a thin orange eye ring that may be difficult to see at a distance. A white collar extends most of the way around the neck but its thickness varies depending on the bird’s posture. A blurry white eyebrow may be seen in winter but is often absent during the breeding season. The chin, throat and underparts are plain white, but the breast is crossed by a thick black band that may be slightly thicker near the shoulders. In flight, the wings show a white stripe down their length and a black trailing edge, and the tail has a black tip and white terminal band. The legs and feet are yellow or orange-yellow.
  
  Juveniles are similar to adults but have a darker bill, buff edging on the upperpart feathers and duller or darker legs.
  
  Species is monotypic.

Foods:

Mollusks, crustaceans, insects (See: Molluscivorous)

Habitat and Migration:

These shorebirds can be found on barren beaches or tidal mudflats, particularly in areas where crabs or other aquatic animals lay eggs. Their summer breeding season extends across the Arctic from Alaska to Newfoundland, including all along the shore of the Hudson Bay. In winter, semipalmated plovers migrate to coastal areas. Along the Pacific Coast, they are found from Oregon through Baja, Mexico, Central America and as far south as Peru. Along the Atlantic Coast, they winter as far north as Maryland and extend south to Argentina, including on suitable shorelines throughout the Caribbean and along the Gulf of Mexico.

During migration it is not uncommon to see these plovers far inland and vagrant sightings may also occur inland during the winter. Rare sightings have been recorded in Europe.

Vocalizations:

Semipalmated plovers have an even “chirp-chirp” or “chu-weee” call that may be repeated with many syllables at a steady tempo, ending with a soft but faster paced churring. A slightly sharper “chip” note is common as well, and is given in a somewhat high but not squeaky pitch.

Behavior:

These plovers often feed in mixed flocks with other plovers, sandpipers and shorebirds, and their run-then-stop foraging behavior can help with distant identification. In flight, they keep a direct, level line to their target with rapid wingbeats.

Reproduction:

These are monogamous birds that may form loose colonies during the breeding season if food is sufficiently abundant. A small scrape nest is built by the male and lined with grass or bits of shells. There are 3-4 pear-shaped eggs in each brood, and they may range from olive to buff or brown in color with darker specks. Only one brood is laid each year.

Both parents share incubation duties for 23-25 days. The precocial chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching to forage under their parents’ guidance, and both male and female parents feed the young chicks and will perform bold distraction displays to tempt predators away from their young. The young birds will take their first flight and be more independent after 25-31 days.

Attracting Semipalmated Plovers:

These are not backyard birds but can frequently be seen on beaches and wet mudflats, even near heavily populated areas. Periods of low tide are best for birders hoping to see these plovers as the birds will be most actively foraging, and protecting those beaches during breeding season will ensure plenty of suitable habitat for viewing.

Conservation:

Despite unregulated hunting in the late 1800s that drastically reduced the populations of these shorebirds, the semipalmated plover is thriving today and its numbers are increasing slightly in many areas. These birds can be vulnerable to hazards in their beach habitats, however, including pollution, loose dogs and disturbance of nesting areas.

Similar Birds:

• Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia)
• Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
• Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)
• Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dublus)
• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

Photo – Semipalmated Plover – Breeding Plumage © John B.
Photo – Semipalmated Plover – Winter Plumage © Ed Schneider