plover

Plover is a common name for several species of small to medium shorebirds in the family Charadriidae. Most plovers have compact bodies, relatively long legs for wading, and short bills that are adapted for picking invertebrates from mud, sand, and shallow water. They occur worldwide, with many species breeding on coastline beaches, mudflats, and riverbanks and migrating to coastal or tropical areas in winter. Some species also occur inland near lakes and wetlands.

Plovers feed primarily on insects, crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates, often by running along the shore and pecking or by spotting prey from a short distance. They nest on the ground in simple scrapes, usually laying 3–4 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the chicks after hatch.

Plumage varies seasonally and among species. Breeding plumage is often more contrasting, with black or dark markings on the head and back, while non-breeding plumage is pale or mottled. Many plovers are migratory; some winter in tropical regions, and others are year-round residents in milder climates. Common examples include the snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus). The larger Pluvialis plovers, such as the black-bellied plover (Pluvialis squatarola) and the golden plovers (Pluvialis spp.), are often broader-bodied and display dramatic breeding plumages.

Conservation concerns affect several plovers. Habitat loss, shoreline disturbance, and predation on eggs and chicks have led to declines in some populations, notably piping plover in North America and snowy plover in parts of the Americas. Many species are protected by national laws and international agreements.