Lapwing

Lapwing

The subfamily of lapwings belongs to the order Charadriiformes.

Appearance

Members of this subfamily within the plover are large and fairly conspicuous waders. Many species have bonnets, such as the breeding in Central Europe lapwing, some have colorful face mask attachments such as the lapwing.

Typical of lapwing are black hand swing. In many species, a broad, white band pulls diagonally across the wing. Except for the white-tailed Lapwing also the tails of the representatives of this subfamily are strikingly colored black and white. Many species have also rounded and broad wings.

Distribution and species number

Lapwings come with the exception of North America and the Pacific Islands before almost worldwide. A total of 24 species are described. In the Western Palearctic breeding six species. In Central Europe, breeds only one type, namely, the lapwing. Another way of Spornkiebitz is occasionally observed in Southeastern Europe. However, it is a typical and common bird fauna of the Middle East.

Habitat

Lapwings keep preferably in open terrain. They often live on the margins of lakes, rivers and wetlands. However, they are also found on cultivated land such as meadows and fields. Occasionally they can be seen in large flocks.

Types (selection)

• Hoplopterus Spornkiebitz ( Hoplopterus spinosus )
• Black Crested Lapwing ( Hoplopterus tectus )
• Red-wattled Lapwing ( Hoplopterus indicus)

• White-tailed Lapwing ( Chettusia leucura )

• Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius )
• Lapwing (Art ) ( Vanellus vanellus )
• Mask Lapwing (Vanellus miles)

• Plover