Wilson's plovers (Charadrius wilsonia) are medium-sized plovers notable for their large black bill and dark brown breast band. They inhabit pebble beaches, sandy shores, sand dunes, mudflats, and coastal lagoons throughout the Gulf Coast region. Their range encircles the Gulf of Mexico and stretches from Florida to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Wilson's plovers forage at low tide on mudflats. They feed on crustaceans and have a particular fondness for fiddler crabs.

Wilson's plovers nest on beaches and dunes as well as along the edges of lagoons—all of these habitats are vulnerable to any oil contamination that washes ashore.