Sociable Lapwing
Image: Wa'el Almatni (cc-by-nc)
NameSociable Lapwing
Common NameSociable Lapwing
Scientific NameVanellus gregarius
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)205
Plumage DetailsAdults have a striking head pattern with a black crown, a prominent white supercilium, and a dark eye-stripe. The upperparts and breast are sandy-brown, contrasting with a white belly and chestnut undertail coverts. In flight, it displays striking black primary feathers and white secondaries.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, somewhat harsh 'kew-wit' or 'kew-wick' call, often repeated, and a more plaintive 'pee-wit' or 'pee-wee' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, steppe, agricultural fields, semi-desert
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeBreeds in the steppes of Russia and Kazakhstan, migrating through Central Asia and the Middle East to wintering grounds in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and India.
Identifying FeaturesBlack crown with white supercilium and dark eye-stripe, Sandy-brown upperparts and breast, Chestnut undertail coverts, Long black legs, Black primaries and white secondaries visible in flight
Description
The Sociable Lapwing is a medium-sized migratory wader characterized by its distinctive head pattern and sandy-brown plumage. It typically forages for invertebrates in open, short-grass habitats, often in flocks.
