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Charadrius semipalmatus

 

Semipalmated Plover

Or

“Semipal”

ID-ing

Anyone have good NorthCoast images this species I can use here?

See USGS for good overview and how to distinguish from similar species

Small shorebird; Short, thin bill; Upper parts brownish-gray Under parts white ; White collar single dark collar band

ISTIS is always good place to start for the Taxonomy and links to search engines

example:  Google Images

 

 

 

Maps and Calls

US (Americas) map of breeding and wintering distributions (emphasizing interior)

Manitoba museum has good account with maps of Canadian distribution

BC RBCM has good page w BC distribution and recording of semipals call. See also U Guelph site for call

BC Birds II : breeding on QCIs ---begins migration spring early April and peaks May ; breeds Sandspit and especially Masset on dunes above high tide line

Nice Image showing bill and legs well,

 

 

Other Similar small Plovers

Semipal said to have a characteristic behaviour: running and sudden stop with “look around”;

Could be confused with other small plovers which are rare along BC Coast Snowy; partial black collar and leg’ color will distinguish., as will habitat. “Look alikes favor Sandy beaches while this one favors mudflats” etc (Complete Birder J Connor)

 

 

References used

Shorebirds : An Identification Guide to the Waders of the World

by Peter Hayman, John Marchant, Tony Prater—Amazon.com

The Birds of British Columbia• Volume 2 - Nonpasserines Diurnal Birds of Prey through Woodpeckers

A Field Guide to Advanced Birding  by Kenn Kaufman

The Complete Birder A Guide to Better Birding by Jack Connor

 

Any good Semipal or Snowy images or videos from North Coast that I can use here??

Composed by LG -- 2/22/02

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