Plovers (/ˈplʌvər/ or /ˈploʊvər/) are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. here are about 66 species in the subfamily, most of them called "plover" or "dotterel". The closely related lapwing subfamily, Vanellinae, comprises about 20 species.Plovers are found throughout the world, with the exception of the Sahara and the polar regions, and are characterised by relatively short bills. They hunt by sight, rather than by feel as longer-billed waders like snipes do. They feed mainly on insects, worms or other invertebrates, depending on the habitat, which are obtained by a run-and-pause technique, rather than the steady probing of some other wader groups. Plovers engage in false brooding, a type of distraction display. Examples include pretending to change position or to sit on an imaginary nest site. Learn more about Plover
View all family groups for: Marine Bird
Plover Species Videos
View All Plover Videos
Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Black-bellied Plover (7 videos) | Pluvialis squatarola | Least concern |
Double-banded Plover (10 videos) | Charadrius bicinctus | Near threatened |
Greater Golden-plover (3 videos) | Pluvialis apricaria | Least concern |
Kittlitz's Plover (1 videos) | Charadrius pecuarius | Least concern |
Lesser Golden-plover (3 videos) | Pluvialis dominica | Least concern |
Little Ringed Plover (2 videos) | Charadrius dubius | Least concern |
Mongolian Plover (3 videos) | Charadrius mongolus | Least concern |
New Zealand Plover (12 videos) | Charadrius obscurus | Critically endangered |
Piping Plover (241 videos) | Charadrius melodus | Near threatened |
Red-capped Plover (10 videos) | Charadrius ruficapillus | Least concern |
Semipalmated Plover (59 videos) | Charadrius semipalmatus | Least concern |
Snowy Plover (2 videos) | Charadrius alexandrinus | Least concern |
Three-banded Plover (25 videos) | Charadrius tricollaris | Least concern |
Wilson's Plover (5 videos) | Charadrius wilsonia | Least concern |