The Andean lapwing is a species of bird in family Charadriidae, the plovers and their relatives. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and into Chile and northwestern Argentina. Prefers high Andean wetlands, puna grasslands, bofedales (peaty marshes), and the shores of lakes and lagoons. Often uses grazed pastures and damp meadows near water. Typically found in open habitats with short vegetation and ample bare ground for foraging. Tolerates harsh UV, cold nights, and strong winds at elevation.
Altitude Range
2500–4700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Andean lapwing inhabits high-altitude wetlands and grasslands across the Andes, often above 3,000 m where oxygen is thin and temperatures fluctuate widely. It is vigilant and noisy, giving loud alarm calls and performing distraction displays to draw predators away from its ground nest. Pairs are strongly territorial in the breeding season but may gather in loose flocks afterward.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and buoyant glides
Social Behavior
Breeds in territorial pairs that nest on the ground in a simple scrape, often near water. Both sexes share incubation and chick-guarding duties. Outside the breeding season it may form small loose flocks, especially around productive wetlands. Performs distraction displays and aggressive aerial mobbing against intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and far-carrying, giving repeated sharp, metallic calls such as klee-wee and krrik notes. Alarm calls accelerate into rapid series when disturbed, often delivered in flight.
Plumage
Clean white underparts contrasted by a dark, broad breast band; upperparts gray-brown to olive with slight gloss; wings show bold white patches in flight. Head grayish with a darker cap and pale forehead; tail with white base and darker terminal band.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates including beetles, flies, larvae, worms, and small crustaceans taken from damp soil and shorelines. Occasionally picks small seeds or plant matter. Forages by picking and short probing, sometimes using foot-trembling to flush prey.
Preferred Environment
Shallow lake margins, muddy flats, wet meadows, and grazed puna pastures. Frequently works the edges of bofedales and irrigation channels where soft substrates expose invertebrates.
