Charadriidae - Plovers, Lapwings, Dotterals, Killdeers

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.

Did You Know?

killeer
The Killdeer is found in open grasslands, wetlands, fields, pastures, and short-grass prairies. It is often found on sandbars, mudflats, and pastures.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

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