What is a Plover?

A plover is a type of wading shorebird in the Charadriidae family. Around 40 species in this family are considered to be plovers, and representatives of the family can be found all over the world, along the shorelines of oceans, lakes, and other large bodies of water. Unfortunately, several plover species are considered to be threatened or even endangered, due to habitat pressures which have caused their numbers to decline. As a result, some sections of shoreline in many regions of the world have been designated as off-limits to humans, in the hopes of encouraging the plover population to revive.

Several features distinguish a plover from other shorebirds. They have squat, rounded bodies with heavy breasts, short tails, and small bills, and they tend to be extremely small. Plovers also move very erratically, typically socializing in large groups which swirl about from place to place, looking for food. Some people compare the movements of plovers to chickens, as the birds hunt and peck erratically while they seek out the marine invertebrates, insects, and worms which form the bulk of their diets.

Plovers nest on the ground, typically digging shallow depressions in the earth and lining them with available plant material, animal hair, and other substances. Because plovers nest on the ground, their nests are at risk from heavy footed humans and other animals, who may crush the eggs by accident as they traverse the shoreline. Plovers are also threatened by predators such as dogs, who may disturb the birds, attack the parents, or eat the eggs.

The call of the plover is very distinctive, with most plovers making a range of whistling noises which can carry quite a ways along the seashore. Some plovers are famous for being quite noisy, and in a large group, a flock of plovers can be almost deafening. In areas with a great deal of biodiversity, plovers are often seen in the midst of flocks of other shorebirds, where they dart around opportunistically in search of dropped food.

Some notable examples of plovers include the New Zealand Wrybill, the only bird in the world with a beak which is bent sideways, and the killdeer, a killdeer which is famous for its penetrating calls. The snowy plover and piping plover are two species with well-advertised conservation campaigns behind them; snowy plover nesting areas are often found along North American seashores.

Plovers are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. They inhabit a variety of environments, from seashores and riverbanks to grasslands and tundra. Plovers are found throughout the world, with species adapted to live in nearly every terrestrial habitat, from the high Arctic to tropical regions.

There are about 66 species of plovers, according to the International Ornithological Congress. These species are categorized into several genera, with Charadrius being the most widespread. Each species has adapted to its environment, showcasing a variety of sizes, colors, and behaviors that aid in their survival and reproduction.

Plovers are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet rich in insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Their foraging behavior is distinctive; they run a few steps and then pause, looking for prey before darting forward to snatch it up. Some species also consume plant material, depending on their habitat and food availability.

Plovers exhibit varying degrees of social behavior. Many species are solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. However, outside of breeding times, some plovers form large flocks. For instance, the golden plover can gather in groups of hundreds or even thousands during migration or in wintering grounds.

Plovers typically lay their eggs in simple ground nests, which are little more than scrapes in the soil, often lined with pebbles or vegetation. The camouflaged eggs help protect them from predators. Both parents usually share incubation duties, and chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after hatching.

Plovers face several conservation challenges, including habitat loss due to human activities such as development and agriculture. Shoreline species, like the Snowy Plover, are particularly vulnerable to disturbances from beachgoers and off-road vehicles. Climate change also poses a threat by altering habitats and affecting food availability. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these sensitive bird populations.