General Overview
The Charadriidae family includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings—a group of small to medium-sized shorebirdsfound worldwide. These birds are commonly associated with coastal environments, wetlands, and open habitats, though many species also live far inland. Charadriids are known for their alert postures, swift running, and distinctive calls. They are commonly seen on beaches, mudflats, grasslands, and riverbanks, where they hunt small prey on exposed ground or shallow water.
Appearance
Members of Charadriidae generally have:
- Compact bodies with relatively short necks
- Short, straight bills (less than head-length)
- Long, slender legs adapted for wading or running
- Rounded heads with large, expressive eyes
- Plumage often in earthy tones (brown, grey, white) with bold facial or breast markings
Lapwings in particular may have:
- Elongated crests
- Black-and-white patterns
- Broad, rounded wings
Overall, their coloration often provides excellent camouflage in sandy or grassy environments.
Diet
Charadriids are primarily insectivorous and carnivorous, feeding on:
- Insects
- Worms
- Small crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Occasionally small fish
They forage on open ground using a characteristic run–pause–peck strategy, spotting movement visually rather than probing like many other shorebirds.
Habitat
These birds occupy a wide range of open and often flat habitats, including:
- Coastal beaches and tidal flats
- Salt marshes and estuaries
- Riverbanks
- Grasslands, savannas, and farmland
- Open tundra or gravel plains
While some species are resident, many undertake long-distance migrations, often traveling between breeding grounds in temperate or Arctic regions and wintering sites in the tropics.
Behavior
Charadriids are known for:
- Alert, vigilant behavior, often responding quickly to predators
- Complex displays during breeding, including aerial dances, calls, and distraction behaviors
- Ground nests, usually simple scrapes lined with pebbles or shells
- Chicks that are precocial, meaning they hatch with open eyes and can walk shortly after
Parents are highly protective and may perform broken-wing displays to lure predators away from nests. Many species also nest in loose colonies or semi-social clusters.
