Semipalmated Plovers are small wading birds, measuring about 18.4 cm in length, with an average weight of 45 g and a wingspan of 48.3 cm. Adults have dark brown upperparts and white underparts throughout the year. During the breeding season, males display a distinctive black breastband, a black “mask” over the eyes and across the forehead, and a small white patch just above the bill. They also have short orange bills with black tips and orange legs. Females in breeding plumage are similar but more subdued in color. In non-breeding plumage, both males and females look alike, showing a reduced black “mask” around the eyes, a narrow white supercilium connecting with the white patch above the bill, and a darker bill.