February 2005
The Semipalmated Plover breeds in Canada and Alaska and migrates during the northern winter to the coasts of southern USA, Central America, the Caribbean and both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America to Patagonia and southern Chile.
Since these photos were taken in Cuba in February they show the non-breeding plumage where the short, stubby bill is almost totally black and the white forecrown joins up with the supercilium. It is grey-brown on the head and chest compared to black in breeding plumage.
The name "Semipalmated" derives from semi = half and palmatus = palmate or webbed and I have blown up the 2nd photo to show the webbing between the toes of this plover.
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