Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)

Identification & Behavior: ~18 cm (7 in). The Semipalmated Plover has brown upperparts and head. The forehead, neck, and all underparts are white. It shows a black or brown forecrown stripe, a black, dusky, or brown collar, yellow legs, and a variable amount of orange on the base of the bill. It is distinguished from the similar Wilson’s Plover by smaller size, yellow legs, and orange base of the bill. Also, see Collared Plover.

Status: The Semipalmated Plover is a Boreal migrant species fairly common during the months of July through April. It is rare outside this period as some birds overwinter in the region. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, Ch.

Name in Spanish: Chorlo Semipalmado.

Sub-species: Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), Bonaparte 1825.

Meaning of Name: Charadrius = A yellowish bird mentioned in the Vulgate Bible. semipalmatus: L. semi = half,  small and palmatus, palm= webbed; having fingers partially connected by a membrane.

See more of the Family Charadriidae