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The most common of the small plovers on migration through most areas. On its breeding grounds in the north, the Semipalmated Plover avoids the tundra habitat chosen by most shorebirds, nesting instead on gravel bars along rivers or ponds. In such surroundings, its seemingly bold pattern actually helps to make the plover inconspicuous, by breaking up its outline against the varied background. The name 'semipalmated' refers to partial webbing between the bird's toes.