There are about 66 species in the Charadriidae family. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and are most often seen near beaches, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and other open areas near the water.
Members of this family are small to medium-sized birds with long, pointed wings, plump bodies, round heads, and short necks. Most species have relatively short bills and large eyes.
Plovers, lapwings, and their relatives mainly eat insects and other small invertebrates. They hunt by sight, using a run-stop-peck method: they run a short distance, stop to look for food, then quickly pick it up before running again.
In most species, both males and females help care for the nest and young. The chicks are precocial, meaning they hatch covered in down and can walk and feed themselves soon after hatching.
These birds are very protective parents. If a predator comes near the nest, the adults may chase it away or perform distraction displays. Some species, such as the Killdeer, may pretend to have a broken wing, dragging one wing along the ground to lure the predator away from their eggs or chicks.
Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist
Status taken from NH Fish and Game
NHPBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs on-air, online, in classrooms and in communities.