There is uncertainty whether Piping Plovers should be divided into two separate subspecies:

  • Charadrius melodus melodus: This subspecies would consist of the Piping Plovers that nest along the Atlantic Coast
  • Charadrius melodus circumcinctus: This subspecies would consist of the Piping Plovers that nest in the interior of North America including the Great Plains and Great Lakes.
Piping Plover along the lower Platte River
Piping Plover along the lower Platte River