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The Northern Lapwing is a medium-sized wader bird known for its long, black crest, iridescent green back, and a "pee-wit" call. It lives in open habitats like wetlands and grasslands, feeding on invertebrates like worms and insects. They build ground nests and are known for their unique hunting technique of quickly moving, stopping, and listening for prey.
Physical characteristics Size: Approximately \(30\) cm (\(12\) inches) long with a wingspan of \(67-87\) cm (\(26-34\) inches).
Crest: A distinctive, long, wispy crest adorns the head, though it is shorter in females and juveniles.Plumage:Back is iridescent green with metallic reflections.Underparts are black and white.Males have more distinct black and white markings on the head and breast than females.Bill: Short and straight, with a black color.Legs: Long and pinkish.
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Habitat and diet Habitat: Prefers open, grassy environments such as pastures, farmlands, and wetlands. They can also be found in wastelands.
Diet: Primarily carnivorous, feeding on terrestrial invertebrates like earthworms, molluscs, insects, and spiders. They also consume a small amount of plant matter.
Behavior and reproduction Behavior: They are known for a peculiar hunting technique of running, stopping to listen and look for prey, and repeating the process. They are also gregarious and can be very territorial when nesting.
Vocalization: Vocal during the breeding season, producing a loud, shrill "pee-wit" call (which gives them the alternative name "peewit"), and a wheezy "pee-wit, wit wit, eeze wit" during their display flight.
Nesting: Nests on the ground, with both parents defending the nest aggressively.
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Reproduction: Typically lay a single clutch of \(3-4\) eggs, usually between March and June.Chicks: Are precocial, meaning they can walk shortly after hatching, and are able to swim within \(24\) hours.
Lifespan: Can live to be approximately \(16\) years old, with breeding typically starting at age two. Conservation status and threats Threats: Modern farming practices that have led to the loss of suitable nesting and feeding habitats.
Predators: Predators are a major threat, especially to nests and young chicks. Mammals are the biggest threat to chicks.Conservation efforts: Some groups are working with farmers to create safe nesting areas by leaving certain plots unplanted and free of fertilizers and pesticides.
