Semipalmated Plover -- South Dakota Birds

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

The Semipalmated Plover is the most common of the small plovers that migrate through the state.  The name "Semipalmated" refers to the partial webbing found between the bird's toes.  Unlike many other shorebirds that migrate simultaneously as the Semipalmated Plover, they do not probe in the mud for food items, instead only plucking items from the surface.

Habitat: Prefers very open habitats during migration through the state, such as open mudflats, sandy beaches, or plowed fields.  Avoids wetland areas with heavy vegetation.   At breeding grounds in northern North America, they prefer sandy or mossy tundra.

Diet: Insects, earthworms, small mollusks and crustaceans.  Also marine worms and various marine animal eggs on wintering grounds. 

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Crisp rising chweep.

Migrations: Summers in northern Canada and Alaska.  Winters along U.S. coasts all the way down through South America.

Similar Species: Killdeer, Piping Plover.

Status: Like many of the shorebirds, numbers were seriously depleted during the 19th century due to hunting.  Has recovered and is now widespread and common.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Semipalmated Plover

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Semipalmated Plover

3) eNature.com - Semipalmated Plover

Photo Information: July 29th, 2007 - Lake Thompson, Kingsbury County - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution photos of this species.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08