Plovers
Plovers are small, plump-bodied shorebirds with relatively large eyes,
short thick bills, and stubby necks. The majority of these birds either
live or breed along coastal beaches, open prairie, arctic tundra, and
alkali wetlands. Plovers have exceptional camouflage and are often heard
before they are seen. All plovers use the 'broken wing' or distraction
display to lead intruders away from their eggs or young. Members of this
family that nest in North Dakota include the killdeer and piping
plover. The blackbellied plover, American golden plover, and
semipalmated plover may be observed during seasonal migrations. The
Drift Prairie and Missouri Coteau are the two best regions to view
plovers.
» Habitat: Along seacoasts, on isolated, sandy beaches with little vegetation and access to mudflats for feeding.
» Weight: 1.5-2.25 ounces.
» Length: 6-7 inches.
» Wingspan: 14-15.25 inches.
» Life Expectancy: 8-14 years of age.
» Food: Marine worms, fly larvae, beetles, crustaceans, mollusks, and other small marine animals and their eggs.
» Status: Federally and state threatened
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