Lapwings - Family Overview

Lapwings are medium-sized wading birds belonging to the family Charadriidae, which also includes plovers. They are characterised by their long legs, rounded wings, and distinctive, often erratic flight patterns accompanied by loud and piercing calls.

Most lapwings are associated with open habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, agricultural fields, riverbanks, and dry plains. Many species nest directly on the ground, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes where camouflage and vigilant behaviour provide the primary defence against predators.

Lapwings feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates picked from the ground, though some species also take seeds and plant matter. Their foraging style typically involves walking steadily across open terrain, pausing frequently to scan for prey.

Several lapwing species are well known for their bold nest-defence behaviour, often giving loud alarm calls and dive-bombing intruders much larger than themselves. This makes them highly conspicuous birds in rural and semi-natural landscapes.

India supports a variety of lapwing species across diverse habitats, from wetlands and riverine areas to dry grasslands and cultivated fields. While many species are resident, some are seasonal visitors, particularly during the winter months.

This collection brings together photographs and videos of lapwings recorded across different regions and habitats, highlighting their behaviour, habitat preferences, and distinctive field characteristics.

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Licensing & Prints

Selected photographs from this bird family are available for licensing and fine-art prints. You can explore curated images in the Lapwings collection on BirdsPhotos Shop.