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Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Semipalmated Plover Photo

© Tim W. Gallagher / CLO

A small dark shorebird with a single band across its chest, the Semipalmated Plover is the most common plover seen on migration in most areas.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small shorebird.
  • Legs moderately long.
  • Neck short.
  • Back brown.
  • Underparts white with one thick black or brown band on chest.
  • Legs yellowish.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with duller markings and pale scaling on back.

Range Map Help

Semipalmated Plover Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Killdeer is larger and has two distinct chest bands.
  • Wilson's Plover is larger, has dull grayish legs, a long, thick black bill, and a more flat-headed profile.
  • Snowy Plover has a pale back, dark legs, an incomplete chestband, and a short, thin dark bill.
  • Piping Plover has a pale back, a thinner, less complete chestband, and lacks dark in the face.