The pied plover (Vanellus cayanus), also known as the pied lapwing, is a species of bird in the family Charadriidae. It is a bird of least concern according to the IUCN and can be found in northern South America. The species name cayanus refers to Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, where the pied plover can be found. There is confusion around its common name. Historically, the pied plover was considered to be a plover, which is a bird part of the subfamily Charadriinae. Most recently, it has been moved to the subfamily Vanellinae, which are the lapwings. The pied plover is still referred to as a plover because it physically resembles that group of birds in shape and size. However, based on taxonomy, it is more correct to refer to it as a lapwing. Description The pied plover is a strongly marked bird with a black and white pattern, buff on its back and wings, and white on its abdomen. Its eyes are encircled with bright red eye-rings. It has a prominent black V on its upper back and has long, red legs. It is a medium-sized bird like most of the species in the family Charadriidae, measuring around 22 centimeters. There is no sexual dimorphism in this species; both males and females look the same. Juveniles look similar, with the exception of them being more buff and the presence of buff eye-rings instead of red ones. Taxonomy The pied plover belongs to the order Charadriiformes known as the shorebirds. It is within the family Charadriidae and in the genus Vanellus. It is closely related to the genus Charadrius – the typical plovers. The taxonomy within the family Charadriidae is still disputed and there have been many debates on the pied plover’s classification. The confusion comes from its plover-like appearance compared to other lapwings in the Vanellus genus. The pied plover was originally placed in the genus Charadrius with the plovers. It was then hypothesized to be the only species in the genus Vanellus. Later on, the pied plover was placed in the genus Hoploxypterus all alone, with 23 species in the genus Vanellus. Currently, the accepted classification of the pied plover is within the genus Vanellus, along with two other species from South America as well as other species in Eurasia and Africa. Habitat and distribution Pied plovers live along the shores of lakes and rivers where there