Charadriidae - plovers, lapwings, dotterals, killdeers
The birds in this family are found around the world, usually near water. They are small to medium-sized and have long, pointed wings; plump bodies; round heads; and short necks
They eat insects and other invertebrates. They locate their food by sight and chase after it, running and stopping to eat, then running again.
In most species the male and the female take care of the nest and the chicks. The chick are precocial. That means they can feed themselves right after they hatch. The parents are very protective and will chase off predators and engage in display behvior to distract a predator. They may even drag one wing along the ground and pretend to be injured in order to draw a predator away from their nest.
There are 66 species in this family.
World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.
US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game
Additional Information
Key: Profile Photos Video Audio
Common Ringed Plover-Charadrius hiaticula
The common ringed plover is found in wetland habitats.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Mountain Plover - Charadrius montanus
Despite its name, the mountain plover is not found in the mountains.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes
Mountain Plover - Charadrius montanus
The mountain plover breeds on open plains.
Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes
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