- Vanellus vanellus
Identification
Common and widespread over much of the region. Breeds on Sandoy in the Faroes and in most of the British Isles, and from France east to the Urals. In the north found over all of Scandinavia (except the far north) and in Russia north to the White Sea. In the south breeds in central and south-central Spain, patchily in southern France, north Italy, Greece and central Turkey.
Resident in western Europe and in Turkey but summer visitor to remainder of breeding range. In winter found throughout France and Iberia, and on most Mediterranean coasts, in Turkey, Iraq and the Nile Valley.
Has been recorded on the Azores and Cape Verde Islands as a vagrant.
Habitat Breeds in open country with short grass, bare soil or in crops, often near freshwater. Today over much of Europe most suitable habitat is now on farmland. Similar habitats in winter.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Vanellus vanellus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
