Crab plover (family)

Crab plovers (Dromadidae, Dromas) are family and genus of birds in the Charadriiformes order. They are found throughout south Europe, Asia and Africa.

Description
The crab plovers are instantly recognisable, by their massive bill and pied plumage. In both species, both sexes look similar. They are unmistakable, but juveniles may look like gulls; have pied plumages, and stout bills. Both species range from 38 - 41 cm in length. They may also rest on their tarsi, making them look like gulls.

Behaviour
They differ from other shorebirds not only in structure but in its tunnel-nesting habits, single white egg and nidicolous young.

Distribution and habitat
The Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola) is endemic to the Red Sea region and winters southward along the East African coast. The

They live along sandy coasts, estuaries, lagoons, exposed coral reefs and mudflats.