Plovers – Group Overview

Plovers are small to medium-sized wading birds commonly found along shorelines, mudflats, grasslands, and open wetlands. They are typically compact in build, with relatively short bills and large eyes, adaptations that suit their visual, stop-and-go foraging style.

Most plovers belong to the family Charadriidae, which includes ringed plovers, golden plovers, and lapwings. They usually feed by scanning the ground and making quick dashes to capture insects and other small invertebrates rather than probing in mud.

Some species traditionally associated with plovers show distinct ecological or structural traits. The Crab Plover, for example, is placed in its own family Dromadidae, despite its plover-like appearance and behaviour, and is treated separately at the family level on this site.

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This section features photographs of plovers recorded across coastal and inland habitats, highlighting variation in size, plumage, and habitat preference among species.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs of plovers are available for licensing and editorial use.
View Plovers Collection