Spur-winged Lapwing
Spornkiebitz
The Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus ) is a monotypic species of the family of plovers ( Charadriidae ). The species occurs in Africa and the Middle East. In Central Europe, the Spur-winged Plover is a very rare exception Guest. For most observations, it is believed that it is captivity refugees.
Appearance
The Spornkiebitz achieved grown a body length of 25 to 27 centimeters. The bird is in the head and chest striking black and white. The body top, however, is sand to gray- brown. The legs are black and stand in flight over the tail out. Similar to the lapwing the flight is slow and deliberate.
Dissemination
It occurs frequently in Turkey, in the eastern and northern Syria, Israel, Jordan and Iraq, as well as in East Africa. South of the African Great grave breach of the Spur-winged Plover is very rare. However, there is some evidence, for example from Malawi. It is in the regions lying north of Lebanon, a migratory bird. In the other regions, however, it is predominantly a state bird or a bar bird.
In Europe, the Spur-winged Plover is a rare breeding bird. The first European breeding record succeeded in 1959 in Eastern Greece. However, these stocks are due to habitat destruction and conversion, intensified lagoon fisheries and increasing predation by feral dogs, jackals and the Weißkopfmöwe sharply. Observations are also from Spain, Germany and parts of Eastern Europe. From March to April, you can watch him in Cyprus.
Food
The Spornkiebitz locates its prey visually and hunted her by her booty with some fast movements. Among the prey include insects, where he eats mainly beetles, mosquitoes and their larvae and ants. To his prey spectrum are beyond even spiders, worms, mollusks, tadpoles and small fish.
Reproduction
The reproductive behavior of the spur is lapwing been studied insufficiently. Observing, however, that the male circled over minute period the female with stiff steps. Mating occurs after the female has accepted an invitation attitude.
The nest is usually located in the vicinity of water bodies and is a flat, padded with plant material well. It is built by the male, which built during the mating several wells, of which the female chooses one.
The nest consists of an average of four eggs, which have a yellowish- olive tone and are mottled brownish black. The eggs are incubated by either parent birds over a period 22 to 24 days.