Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Charadriidae
The Semipalmated Plover is a small, compact shorebird with a distinctive single black breast band, brown upperparts, and orange legs. It is often seen in Patagonia during the austral summer, having migrated thousands of kilometers from its Arctic breeding grounds. Its clear, whistled call and energetic foraging style make it easy to spot along beaches and mudflats. This species is adaptable, using a variety of coastal habitats and often mixing with other shorebirds. Its presence in Patagonia highlights the region’s importance as a stopover and wintering site for migratory birds.
Habitat
Coastal mudflats, sandy beaches, estuaries, and lagoons throughout Patagonia during the non-breeding season.
Foraging
Feeds by sight, running and pausing to pick small invertebrates from the surface or just below.
