Charadrius semipalmatus
Small flocks of Semipalmated Plovers touch down on shorelines in the mountains while passing through on their marathon migrations. During their brief stay in the Rockies, these stocky birds do wind sprints across the flats, intermixed with teetering probes. Shorebird plumage is generally categorized into two forms: cryptic and disruptive coloration. Most sandpipers have cryptic coloration, which blends into the background of these birds' typical habitat. Disruptive coloration is the patterning featured in most plovers. The heavy, distinctive banding breaks the form of the bird into unrecognizable pieces. Like the banding on a zebra, the contrast between dark and light bands in plovers makes it difficult for predators to pinpoint the bird's form. The scientific name semipalmatus refers to the slight webbing between the toes of this plover. |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: dark brown back; white breast with 1 black, horizontal band; long, orange legs; stubby, orange, black-tipped bill; white face patch above the bill; white throat and collar; brown head; black band across the forehead; small white eyebrow. Immature: dark legs and bill; brown banding. Size: L 7 in. (18 cm). Range: uncommon migrant throughout the Rockies. Habitat: sandy beaches, lakeshores, river edges and mudflats in the montane. Nesting: on the tundra; often colonial; in a slight depression in sand or gravel, sparsely lined with vegetation; pair incubates 4 eggs for up to 25 days. Feeding: run-and-snatch feeding, usually on shorelines and beaches; eats crustaceans, worms and insects. Voice: crisp, high-pitched, 2-part, rising whistle: tu-wee. Similar Species: Killdeer: 2 black bands across the breast; larger. |
