Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus Mar–Sep

Similar in size and shape to the Semipalmated Plover, but with the dark band on its breast being narrower or broken in front. The overall coloring is much lighter to match the sandy beach it inhabits. Exclusive to North America, it breeds along the East Coast of the US during the summer, migrating south in the winter.

Designated as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, only 10 pairs were spotted in Rhode Island in 1986. Thanks to conservation efforts, 111 pairs were observed in 2023.