Birds A-Z

Spur-winged Lapwing

Vanellus spinosus
SPUR-WINGED LAPWING

Listen:

Peter Boesman, Xeno-canto

Gallery:

Key information: The Spur-winged Lapwing prefers open areas with water, such as lakes, dams and salt lakes. It is a very noisy bird, often heard calling before it is seen. If the call is too intense, it probably means there is disturbance or there is a threat near its nest or chicks. It has a characteristic feeding behavior: it walks a few steps and then it suddenly stops to pick up its food. Oroklini Lake is one of the best areas in Cyprus for the breeding of the species.

Length: 25 – 28 cm

Habitat: Wetlands

When they can be seen: All year round

What they eat: Invertebrates, seeds

In Cyprus: Can be seen at areas where it breeds, such as Oroklini Lake, Paralimni Lake, Larnaka Salt Lakes and Achna Dam

Status: Passage migrant, resident breeder

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis

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