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Semipalmated Plover Identification
Breeding adult
Small shorebird with a round head and a stubby bill. Breeding birds have orange at the base of the bill and a black crown, eye patch, and breast band. Note yellow legs.
© Ross Gallardy | Macaulay LibraryIllinois, June 11, 2016
Nonbreeding adult
Small shorebird with a round head and a stubby bill. Nonbreeding birds have a brown (instead of black) crown, breast band, and eyepatch.
© Daniel Jauvin | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, October 01, 2016
Breeding adult
Plump shorebird with a short neck and round head. Note single dark band on chest and fairly small, orange-and-black bill.
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 25, 2013
Breeding adult
In flight, note brown tail with a darker tip (a common pattern among plovers) and long wings.
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 24, 2016
Juvenile
Juveniles look like adults but have paler collar and facial markings.
© Alix d'Entremont | Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, August 27, 2014
Breeding adult
Small shorebird with a round head and a stubby bill. Note that the breast band goes all the way around the breast.
© Jay McGowan | Macaulay LibraryNew York, June 01, 2015
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.Relative Size
between sparrow and robinMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 6.7-7.5 in (17-19 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-1.8 oz (45.6-49.5 g)
- Wingspan: 18.5-19.7 in (47-50 cm)
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