The semipalmated plover is a small plover. Charadrius is a Late Latin word for a yellowish bird mentioned in the fourth-century Vulgate. It derives from Ancient Greek kharadrios a bird found in ravines and river valleys. The specific semipalmatus is Latin and comes from semi, "half" and palma, "palm". Like the English name, this refers to its only partially webbed feet.
Region
Arctic North America and the Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds across Arctic and subarctic Alaska and Canada on open tundra, gravelly shores, and sparsely vegetated riverbars. During migration it passes widely through interior lakeshores, reservoirs, and coastal beaches. In winter it frequents coastal mudflats, estuaries, sandy beaches, and mangrove-lined lagoons from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into Central and northern South America.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The name “semipalmated” refers to its partially webbed toes, which help it move on wet sand and mud. Adults often perform a broken-wing distraction display to lure predators away from nests. It is easily confused with the Common Ringed Plover but typically shows a thinner bill and a distinct call.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with pebbles; both parents incubate and tend precocial chicks. Territorial on breeding grounds but forms loose flocks during migration and on wintering areas. Courtship includes display flights and ground posturing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Call is a clear, whistled two-note chu-weep often given in flight. Displays include repeated piping notes and soft trills near the nest.
