Sociable lapwing  (Vanellus gregarius)

Biology

Breeding in the west-central Asian steppes between the end of March and early July (5), the sociable plover nests semi-colonially in open country (2) (5). The nests are usually unlined depressions in the earth, unless conditions are damp, when nests of grass and weeds are constructed. Four eggs are laid and are incubated for 25 days. The male and female lapwings care for the hatchlings until they fledge 35 to 40 days later (5).

The sociable lapwing forages in large groups on the ground, walking slowly and picking up insects, particularly beetles and their larvae, grasshoppers and moth larvae (5).

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