Lapwings and Plovers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae /See Lapwing, Plover
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide, and 17 North American species. Of the 6 listed species, most are Winter Ranging. The Killdeer is permanent, but less common in late May through early Aug.
- (SW) Black-bellied Plover, (Grey Plover), Pluvialis squatarola (–Winter Range–), Gulf of California and Pacific coast
- Lesser Golden-Plover, (American Golden Plover), Pluvialis dominica (C) (Arctic Ranging:Summer)
- See American Golden Plover and discussion of Christopher Columbus.
- (SW) Snowy Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus (Charadrius nivosus) (–Winter Range–), Gulf of California coast, Permanent on Pacific coast–also fairly common at Salton Sea
- (SW) Semipalmated Plover, Charadrius semipalmatus (–Winter Range–), Baja Calif and W Mexico coast
- ( * SW) Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus Permanent–Less common in Summer: Jun-Jul
- (SW) Mountain Plover, Charadrius montanus (–Winter Range–), S Ariz Border, and SE Ariz Biome
Read more about this topic: List Of Arizona-SW Birds (Yuma County, Arizona)