The Family Charadriidae comprises small to medium-sized wading birds commonly known as plovers and lapwings. These birds are found worldwide, mostly in open habitats such as shores, mudflats, grasslands, and wetlands. They typically have short bills, long legs, and compact bodies adapted for running and foraging on the ground. Charadriids feed primarily on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, often using a "run-and-pause" hunting technique. Many species are migratory, and their camouflaged plumage helps protect them from predators while nesting on bare ground.