adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2007-09-22)


Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus

Native Range: North America

Notes: a common plover of mudflats and beaches where it feeds deliberately by picking items off the surface; resembles Snowy Plover but has a two-toned bill, yellow legs, and greater contrast between upperparts and underparts.

frontal view; dark partial necklace (California, USA; 2007-10-13) 		yellow legs; orange at base of small bill (California, USA; 2007-10-13)

juvenile; slightly lighter brown back (California, USA; 2006-09-24)
breeding (right) and nonbreeding plumages (California, USA; 2006-08-13)

group (California, USA; 2007-09-22)
aggressive posture (California, USA; 2007-10-13)

picking food from mudflats (California, USA; 2007-10-13)
posing for portrait; note also white neck band (California, USA; 2007-09-22)