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Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Plovers and Lapwings
Semipalmated Plover, photographed by Stephan Sprinz

Photo: Stephan Sprinz · Wikimedia · CC-BY 4.0 (licence)

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Call and song

About the Semipalmated Plover

Small, orange-legged plover with solid dark breast band. Medium-brown upperparts are the color of wet sand, noticeably darker than Piping or Snowy Plovers. Look for short, blunt bill with orange base (often indistinct on juveniles). Feeds on mudflats and beaches, often mixed with other shorebirds. Even when in a flock, individuals are typically spread out rather than remaining a tight unit. Breeds on the tundra or rocky beaches at northern latitudes; winters to southern South America. Migrants are common and widespread, inland and coastal. Listen for distinctive two parted “chu-weep!” calls, and assorted chortles and chuckles.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 74 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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