Charadriiformes

Charadriiformes is a diverse order of small to medium-large birds. It includes about 350 species. It has members in all parts of the world. Most charadriiformes live near water and eat invertebrates or other small animals. However, some are pelagic (sea birds), some occupy deserts, and a few are found in thick forest.

Families in taxonomic order
This is a list of the charadriiform families, presented in taxonomic order.
 Suborder Scolopaci: snipe-like waders
 Family Scolopacidae: snipe, sandpipers, phalaropes, and allies
 Suborder Thinocori: aberrant charadriforms
 Family Rostratulidae: painted snipe
 Family Jacanidae: jacanas
 Family Thinocoridae: seedsnipe
 Family Pedionomidae: Plains Wanderer
 Suborder Lari:  gulls and allies
 Family Laridae: gulls
 Family Rhynchopidae: skimmers
 Family Sternidae: terns
 Family Alcidae: puffins, guillemots, murres, and allies
 Family Stercorariidae: skuas
 Family Glareolidae: pratincoles and coursers
 Family Dromadidae: Crab Plover
 Suborder Turnici:  buttonquails
 Family Turnicidae: buttonquails
 Suborder Chionidi:  thick-knees and allies
 Family Burhinidae: thick-knees
 Family Chionididae: sheathbills
 Family Pluvianellidae: Magellanic Plover
 Suborder Charadrii: plover-like waders
 Family Ibidorhynchidae: Ibisbill
 Family Recurvirostridae: avocets and stilts
 Family Haematopodidae: oystercatchers
 Family Charadriidae: plovers and lapwings