White-tailed Lapwing
NameWhite-tailed Lapwing
Common NameWhite-tailed Lapwing
Scientific NameVanellus leucurus
FamilyCharadriidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)27.5
Weight (g)150
Plumage DetailsAdults feature a white head and neck, contrasting with pale sandy-brown upperparts and breast. The underparts are pure white. Its most striking feature is the bright yellow legs. The bill is slender and black. In flight, the pure white tail and white primary coverts are prominent against dark flight feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a clear, piping 'kew-wit' or 'kew-kew-kew', sometimes described as a sharp, ringing 'pee-wit'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in central Asia, from Turkey eastwards through the Middle East to Kazakhstan. It winters in northeastern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India.
Identifying Featureslong bright yellow legs, white head and neck, pale sandy-brown body, black bill, pure white tail (especially in flight)
Description
The White-tailed Lapwing is a medium-sized wader characterized by its strikingly long yellow legs and elegant posture. It typically forages in shallow water or muddy edges of wetlands, probing for invertebrates. This species is known for its distinctive white head and tail.
