Plovers
Plovers
several species of birds of the family Charadriidae. Most plovers have a large head, a short, weak beak, thin legs, and long wings. They are found throughout the world. There are nine species in the USSR. The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), which measures up to 18 cm long, is a common species. It has a brownish gray back and a white underside. Its head, neck, and jugulum are black and white. Plovers live in coastal regions; their nests consist of shallow holes in the sand. A clutch contains four motley eggs. Another species often encountered in the USSR is the ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula), which is particularly prevalent in the north.