A subfamily (Vanellinae) of large plovers (family Charadriidae), many with crests or wattles. They are medium-size wading birds, mostly grey, brown, or black and white, often with bold head and neck markings. Some have spurs and the third toe (hallux) is reduced or absent. Most are migratory. They feed on invertebrates on bare, open ground. The names lapwing, plover, and dotterel are often used interchangeably, but the true lapwings comprise 24 Vanellus species found worldwide.