The only species in this family is the Crab-plover (Dromas ardeola). Crab-plovers live along the coasts of countries bordering the Indian Ocean, where they are commonly found on mudflats, sandy beaches, lagoons*, and tidal flats.

Crab-plovers have mostly white plumage, a black back and wings, long gray legs, and a long, pointed black bill. Males and females look similar, though males usually have slightly longer, heavier bills.

Crab-plovers feed mainly on crabs, but they also eat other crustaceans and small marine animals. They often forage in large groups along the shoreline.

Crab-plovers nest in large colonies. Instead of building a nest on the ground, they dig long burrows in sandy banks or dunes. The female usually lays a single egg deep inside the burrow. Both parents incubate the egg and care for the chick after it hatches.

* A lagoon is shallow water separated from the sea by land.