The Semipalmated Plover sometimes occurs in similar habitat and around inland lakes. It has a darker back, and a more pronounced black band on the forehead and around the neck. Another plover relative, the Killdeer, occurs rarely on beaches. Killdeer are common in open areas like fields, parking lots, and school yards. They are slightly smaller than a pigeon and have two rings around their neck.
Young killdeer can be similar in size to Piping Plover, and also have only one ring.
Listen for their killdeer call.