Crab Plovers

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 the incubation of eggs.

This bird looks like a plover but has long, grey legs and a tern-like, hefty black bill. It is easily recognized by its black-and-white plumage, long-necked erect posture, and large bill. Its unusual crab-eating bill makes it different from other waders. Its toes are only partially webbed. Except for the black on its back and in the primary feathers of its wings, the bird's plumage is all white. They make loud calls both at their nesting places and where they spend the winter. The typical call is a ka that is repeated quickly and is comparable to the bar-tailed godwit's call. A whinnying sound that rises may be made by flocks, and during the breeding season, they may whistle kew-ki-ki notes.