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page.Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
The lapwing is widespread throughout most of Europe, the only countries where it does not breed being Portugal and Italy. Between August and October it migrates to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, but southern and western European populations are resident. The lapwing usually returns to its breeding grounds in March, but it may arrive by the end of February. Its favourite sites are damp meadows and fields near water. The male performs an exuberant, tumbling display flight; having attracted a mate, he then displays again, his movements being exaggerated versions of those by which a nest scrape is made. In late March or April, sometimes also in May, the birds start building the nest in a shallow depression in the ground in a meadow, field, or perhaps on a raised spot in a swamp. It is lined sparsely with leaves, plant stalks or small twigs. Like all shore birds, the female usually lays four eggs, which she and her partner take turns incubating for 24 to 28 days. The speckled nestlings remain in the nest for a day or two and then scatter in the neighbourhood, concealing themselves in clumps of grass when danger threatens. They begin flying at five weeks. The diet consists of insects and their larvae, spiders, molluscs and the like as well as small pieces of green vegetable matter and various seeds.
Click on any of the other bird links, these are Geese Barnacle Goose : Brent Goose : Canada Goose : Greylag Goose
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And the rest, in no real order of importance: Common Sandpiper : Coot. : Corncrake : Curlew. : Dunlin : Greenshank : Lapwing : Moorhen : Oystercatcher : Redshank : Ringed Plover : Snipe : Spotted Crake : Stone Curlew : Turnstone : Whimbrel : Woodcock.
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