Vanellus leucurus
The White-tailed Lapwing (*Vanellus leucurus*) is a striking medium-sized wading bird, typically measuring 26-29 cm in length with a wingspan of 60-70 cm and weighing between 100-150g. Its appearance is characterized by a distinctive black cap, bright white face and throat, greyish-brown upperparts, and pristine white underparts, accentuated by black primary flight feathers. The most iconic field mark is its pure white tail, tipped with a narrow black subterminal band, which contrasts sharply...
Primarily frequents shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, flooded plains, and irrigation ditches, often with sparse vegetation, from sea level up to ~1500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, larvae, beetles, flies, grasshoppers, worms, and small molluscs, occasionally supplementing with seeds.
This diurnal lapwing employs a characteristic 'run-stop-peck' foraging strategy, wading gracefully in shallow waters to snatch invertebrates. Males establish and rigorously defend breeding territories through elaborate aerial displays, characterized by exaggerated wing beats and loud, ringing cal...
The White-tailed Lapwing exhibits a broad breeding range spanning across Central Asia and the Middle East, including countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and parts of southern Russia. It is largely migratory, undertaking significant journeys t...
Least Concern
- The White-tailed Lapwing's strikingly long yellow legs are among the longest relative to body size of any lapwing, enabling it to wade in deeper water than many of its cousins. - Its pure white tail with a narrow black subterminal band is a unique identifying feature, giving the bird its common...