Bird guideSemipalmated Plover

Like the English name, this refers to its only partially webbed feet.

⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilyPlovers and Lapwings
SizeSmall
RarityRare
HabitatIt derives from Ancient Greek kharadrios a bird found in ravines and river valleys ( kharadra , "ravine").
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from November to January.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Paul Driver

Range map

Range map

15visible hotspots
585visible records
3states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Small, orange-legged plover with solid dark breast band. Medium-brown upperparts are the color of wet sand, noticeably darker than Piping or Snowy Plovers. Look for short, blunt bill with orange base (often indistinct on juveniles). Breeds on the tundra or rocky beaches at northern latitudes; winters to southern South America. Migrants are common and widespread, inland and coastal. Listen for distinctive two parted “chu-weep!” calls, and assorted chortles and chuckles.

Behavior

Feeds on mudflats and beaches, often mixed with other shorebirds. Even when in a flock, individuals are typically spread out rather than remaining a tight unit.

Regional timing

Queensland
Peak: November to January324 records
Victoria
Peak: June4 records
South Australia
Peak: November19 records
New South Wales
Peak: October39 records
Western Australia
Peak: January to March202 records

Commonly confused with

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