Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES
FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE
IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened
A small pale shorebird of open sandy beaches and alkali flats, the Piping Plover is found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as inland in the northern Great Plains. Because of disturbance by people, all populations are considered endangered or threatened.