Crab-plover (Dromas ardeola) by Nikhil Devasar
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: (Job 12:7 KJV)
CLASS – AVES, Order – CHARADRIIFORMES, Family – Dromadidae – Crab-plover
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Latest I.O.C. Version
Species (1)
Crab-plover (Dromas ardeola)
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Photographers or Videographers used on this page from our sidebar, Photography, are:
Ian Montgomery’s Birdway
Nikhil Devasar’s Gallery
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Articles Mentioning Birds From This Family:
Other Websites that have photos of this Family:
- Dromadidae – OBI
- Dromadidae – IBC
- Dromadidae – Wikipedia
- Dromadidae – Le quide ornitho
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“The Crab-plover or Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola) is a bird related to the waders, but sufficiently distinctive to merit its own family Dromadidae. Its relationship within the Charadriiformes is unclear, some have considered it to be closely related to the thick-knees, or the pratincoles, while others have considered it closer to the auks and gulls. It is the only member of the genus Dromas and is unique among waders in making use of ground warmth to aid incubation of the eggs.
The Crab Plover is unusual for waders in that it nests in burrows in sandy banks. In the Red Sea region, the breeding season begins around the middle of May.[3] It is a colonial breeder, nesting in colonies as large 1500 pairs. It lays one white egg, occasionally two, which are large for its body size. The nest burrow temperature is optimal due to solar radiation and the parents are able to leave the nest unattended for as long as 58 hours.[4] The chicks are also unique for the usually nidifugous waders in being unable to walk and remain in the nest for several days after hatching, having food brought to them. Even once they fledge they have a long period of parental care afterwards. Both males and females take care of the young.” (Wikipedia with editing)
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