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Plovers

The Charadriidae family, consisting of about 64 to 68 species, includes plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. These birds were first categorized by William Elford Leach in 1820 and are generally small to medium-sized with compact bodies, short necks, and long, pointed wings, though lapwings can have rounder wings. Their bills and toes are typically short, while the tail length can vary. They exhibit little sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look similar. Size varies as seen between the tiny collared plover and the larger masked lapwing. Found globally in open areas near water, their habitats can range from deserts to grasslands. Charadriidae visually hunt for invertebrates and plant material, foraging with a distinctive run-and-pause technique. Most species are socially monogamous, though mating practices can vary from polygyny to sequential polyandry. Breeding involves highly visible territorial displays and the laying of two to four eggs in a ground scrape, which are incubated for 21–30 days. The distribution of incubation duties between the parents can vary widely. Charadriidae are protective of their eggs and young, using alarm calls, distraction displays, and even direct attacks to deter predators. Chicks are born precocial and are not fed by their parents.

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A photo of a African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)

African Wattled Lapwing

Vanellus senegallus
A photo of a American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica)

American Golden Plover

Pluvialis dominica
A photo of a Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

Blacksmith Lapwing

Vanellus armatus
A photo of a Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus)

Black-winged Lapwing

Vanellus melanopterus
A photo of a Caspian Plover (Charadrius asiaticus) , male

Caspian Plover

Charadrius asiaticus
A photo of a Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius pallidus) , male

Chestnut-banded Plover

Charadrius pallidus
A photo of a Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus)

Crowned Lapwing

Vanellus coronatus
A photo of a Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) , male

Greater Sand Plover

Charadrius leschenaultii
A photo of a Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola
A photo of a Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)

Kittlitz's Plover

Charadrius pecuarius
A photo of a Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) , male

Lesser Sand Plover

Charadrius mongolus
A photo of a Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubius
A photo of a Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris)

Long-toed Lapwing

Vanellus crassirostris
A photo of a Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

Pacific Golden Plover

Pluvialis fulva
A photo of a Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula
A photo of a Senegal Lapwing (Vanellus lugubris)

Senegal Lapwing

Vanellus lugubris
A photo of a Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)

Spur-winged Lapwing

Vanellus spinosus
A photo of a Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)

Three-banded Plover

Charadrius tricollaris
A photo of a White-crowned Lapwing (Vanellus albiceps)

White-crowned Lapwing

Vanellus albiceps
A photo of a White-fronted Plover (Charadrius marginatus) , male

White-fronted Plover

Charadrius marginatus
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