Of the 235 recognized shorebird species on earth, 38 species breed in the West Indies, Central America, and South America. Shorebirds, also known as waders, are usually found in shallow water along coasts, coastal mudflats, and the shores of wetlands, feeding primarily on arthropods and other invertebrates. Shorebirds have long legs about their bodies, no webbed feet, and don't swim.  In The Bahamas, most of the shorebirds are migratory, and a few species, such as the Snowy Plover, Wilson’s Plover, American Oystercatcher, Black-necked Stilt, and Black-bellied Plover, are permanent residents.