Shorebirds and Seabirds of the Central California Coastline— Blog Series Post # 7
From its rocky coastline to the depths of the terrific Monterey Canyon, the Central California shoreline and its overseas waters are home to a varied range of fascinating birds. Its environment variety and popular seaside cold-water upwelling currents are the trick to its remarkable bird population. In each article fans will enjoy my premium pictures while learning more about the nature of these fascinating birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Semipalmated Plover– Charadrius semipalmatus
L. charadrius yellow-colored bird pointed out in the Vulgate Bible (late 4th century; L. semipalmatus semipalmated < < L. semi- half-, semi-, little < < semis, semissis half < < as, assis whole; palmatus palmate < < palma palm
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Semipalmated Plover is a little shorebird with unique physical attributes. It has a small, round body and fairly brief legs. Its plumage is mainly brown on the upperparts, with a white underside. A specifying function is its partial webbing in between the toes, providing it the “semipalmated” name, although this webbing is not as comprehensive as in some other plover types.
Additionally, throughout the reproducing season, it shows a dark ring around its neck and a black spot on its forehead.
The Semipalmated Plover is a fascinating shorebird with an appealing nature. These birds are understood for their comprehensive migrations, reproducing in the Arctic tundra of North America and taking a trip to their wintering premises along the shorelines of South America. They are typically seen foraging along sandy beaches and mudflats, utilizing their partly webbed feet to penetrate for little invertebrates in the sand.
One fascinating reality about Semipalmated Plovers is their exceptional nest-defense habits. When possible hazards, such as people or predators, approach their nests, they participate in a diversion screen, pretending to have a damaged wing to entice the trespasser far from the nest. This habits assists secure their susceptible chicks and eggs from damage.
HABITAT MOST LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED
Found along the tidal mudflats and sandy beaches continuously penetrating for invertebrates.
