The male Lapwing emits the distinctive “peewit” call during its acrobatic courtship flight. It has only been possible to maintain the population of the Lapwing in Switzerland thanks to intense conservation and promotion efforts, and it continues to remain heavily dependent on these today.

The Northern Lapwing breeds early in the year. Clutches on the ground are particularly at risk from predators and agricultural cultivation.

Fencing off breeding areas deters predators, especially the fox, thereby enabling the Northern Lapwing to breed successfully.

As nest fledglings, Northern Lapwing chicks search for food on their own immediately after birth. They are particularly vulnerable during the first few days of their lives. In the event of danger, they cower to the ground and trust their perfect camouflage.

Rewetted areas are readily accepted by the Northern Lapwing.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute is committed to the rewetting of areas so as to restore the Northern Lapwing’s original habitat.