Sociable Lapwing

The Sociable Lapwing or Sociable Plover (Vanellus gregarius) is a species of wading bird found in Russia and Kazakhstan. It is migratory and winters further south throughout
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey. It also winters in Israel, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan and north-west India. Birds winter occasionally in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Oman. Its habitat is open grassland.

This attractive bird has long black legs and a short black bill. The summer adult has a gray back and breast, dark belly and white undertail. The head has a striking pattern, with a black crown and eye stripe. The upper neck is orange-yellow. The winter adult has a less distinct head pattern, slightly browner back and breast, and white belly. In flight its black legs, white tail with black terminal band and unique brown, white and gray wings make it distinctive in flight. Its call is a harsh kereck.

The diet of the Sociable Lapwing consists of insects and other small prey mainly from grassland and arable. The nest is on the ground and the female lays three to five eggs.

Bird Life International listed this species as critically endangered in 2004 due to a rapid decline in population for poorly understood reasons. The decline took place mostly between 1960 and 1987. The population was only 20 to 25% of the 1930s population. In 2006 the estimated population was between 600 and 1800 individuals. In 2007, according to the Turkish Nature Association, a super-flock of 3200 birds were discovered in Turkey. The IUCN classifies the Sociable Lapwing as CR A3bc (meaning that the population is expected to decline by 80% within the next decade). This is based on theoretical considerations and known habitat destruction rather than direct observation. As more data becomes available and with the possible discovery of new populations, this species could be down-listed from critically endangered to endangered.