Northern lapwing / Kiebitz (Vanellus vanellus)

Kiebitz. 2025-05-16 19:39:48 Neeracherried

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-02-24 in Neeracherried. Most recent observation: 2025-05-16 in Switzerland.

Description

Classification: Genus Vanellus (Vanellus); Family Charadriidae (Charadriidae)
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel RL 2
Etymology: The name lapwing has been variously attributed to the "lapping" sound its wings make in flight, from the irregular progress in flight due to its large wings (the Oxford English Dictionary derives this from an Old English word meaning "to totter"),[4] or from its habit of drawing potential predators away from its nest by trailing a wing as if broken. [Link]
The names peewit, pewit, tuit or tew-it are onomatopoeic and refer to the bird's characteristic call. [Link]
Vocalization: Quite vocal, especially in flight at breeding ground. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 03-12 - 06-29
Migration in: 05-01 - 06-29
Migration out: 02-01 - 04-11
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=28-31 cm, wingspan=82-87 cm, weight=140-320 g
Habitats: Wetland

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
MerlinSoundId MBI says Northern Lapwing, Great Reed Warbler. Switzerland 2025-05-16 19:34:00 Singers: Northern lapwing, Great reed warbler🐦
♫ 2025-05-16 19:34:00 Switzerland (song)

Calls: Ruf ist entweder mhhhh oder Bogen-artiges hoch und runter. [Link]
Territorial call: Dry, introductory phrases followed by drawn-out mewing sounds; "wyrrr-peeeoo-weeep". Alarm call "pee-wit". [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
XC801017 - Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus - bizarre-sounding call.

XC801017 - Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus - bizarre-sounding call. ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC801017 - Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus - bizarre-sounding call.mp3 (call)


Call attributes: song Frequency: ,