Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Plovers and Lapwings are divided into 10 genera, of which 3 are described below. Of the 66 species, the Javan Lapwing Vanellus macropterus, Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius and the St.Helena Plover Charadrius sanctaehelenae are considered critically endangered. The New Zealand Dotterel Charadrius obscurus and Shore Plover Thinornis novaeseelandiae are endangered. In addition, 3 species are listed as vulnerable and 6 more are near-threatened. Plovers and Lapwings are found on every continent, except Antarctica.



Vanellus

There are 24 species within this genus.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, England, June 2009.


Southern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus at the Trincity wastewater treatment plant, Trinidad, January 2008.





Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, January 2009.









Puvialis
There are 4 species within this genus.

The Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola is known as the Grey Plover in the Old World. This species is the most widespread member of the family. They breed in the Arctic regions of North America and Russia. After breeding, they migrate to coastal areas on all continents, except Antarctica. This winter-plumaged bird was photographed at the Salton Sea, California.





Charadrius

There are 30 species within this genus.

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus near Maricopa, Arizona, October 2004.


Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula at Snettisham, Norfolk, England, June 2009.



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