Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
In spring, males perform spectacular display flights, calling loudly as they tumble from side to side and plunge towards the ground, their wings making a throbbing noise. The broad, paddle-shaped wings and long crest make the lapwing unmistakable.
- Group
- Waders & Waterbirds
- Photos
- 2
- Taken
- 2024
Profile: Northern Lapwing
- Family
- Plovers and lapwings (Charadriidae)
- Size
- 28–31 cm
- Wingspan
- approx. 67–87 cm
- Weight
- approx. 130–330 g
- Habitat
- Open, flat country with low vegetation such as wet meadows, pastures, arable fields and the margins of shallow waters.
- Diet
- Mainly insects and their larvae, plus earthworms and other invertebrates, occasionally also grain and seeds.
- When to see
- Partial to short-distance migrant; in Central Europe roughly from February to November, with some birds overwintering in mild weather.
Learn more: Wikipedia · NABU (German)