© Henry Cook
© Christoph Moning
© Giora Leitner

Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus

Sign in to see your badges

Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

This medium-large plover is often locally abundant, noisy, and easy to identify. Its plumage is a striking combination of black, white, and brown. It is very vocal, producing a piercing and repeated “sik-sik-sik…” call. It is found around wetlands, but also away from water in cultivated areas and even suburbia and urban settings. It forages mainly for arthropods, but also small reptiles and amphibians. Lays its eggs on the ground, and is often very aggressive against invaders to its territory, be it a crow or a falcon. Also active at night.

POWERED BY MERLIN