ExploreBirds

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

The Semipalmated Plover is a small, cute bird that loves to run along sandy beaches. With its short legs and round body, it looks for tiny bugs and little crabs to eat.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Semipalmated Plover is a small shorebird with a short bill and distinctive large dark eyes. It has a white belly and throat, a brown back, and a prominent black band across its white breast, contrasting with its bright orange legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyCharadriidaeGenusCharadrius
Semipalmated Plover
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Semipalmated Plover

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Plover chicks leave the nest and find their own food just hours after hatching!

Semipalmated Plovers often raise their young in cold, open tundra, facing harsh weather!

They use a special 'stop-and-go' dance to trick hidden prey into moving!

This bird can fly thousands of miles from the Arctic all the way to South America!

Special abilities

Ability

Quick-Stop Hunter

Semipalmated Plovers can quickly stop and scan for prey because of their unique stop-and-run foraging method.

Ability

Web-footed Runner

Semipalmated Plovers have partially webbed feet that help them run swiftly over wet sand and mud without sinking.

Ability

Keen-eyed Forager

Semipalmated Plovers can spot tiny insects and worms because of their large eyes that provide excellent vision for hunting.

Measurements & details

Length
14-20 cm
Wingspan
35-45 cm
Weight
0.03-0.07 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
22-25 days
Migration Distance
8000 km

Diet & Feeding

They eat tiny invertebrates, like insects and worms, they find hidden in the sand and mud.

Primary Foods

  • marine worms
  • small crustaceans
  • insect larvae
  • small mollusks

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Predator during migration and on breeding grounds.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Preys on eggs, chicks, and adult birds on the tundra.

hunts

Lugworm

Arenicola marina

Digs for these marine worms in sandy substrates.

hunts

California Ghost Shrimp

Callianassa californiensis

Forages for these tiny crustaceans in mudflats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Semipalmated Plover?

14-20 cm

What is Semipalmated Plover's wingspan?

35-45 cm

How much does Semipalmated Plover weigh?

0.03-0.07 kg

How long does Semipalmated Plover live?

5-10 years

How fast can Semipalmated Plover move?

60 km/h

What does Semipalmated Plover eat?

They eat tiny invertebrates, like insects and worms, they find hidden in the sand and mud.

Where is Semipalmated Plover usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Semipalmated Plover hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds