Northern lapwing

The Northern lapwing (lat. Vanellus vanellus) is a member of the Charadriidae family. While these birds are known for their insectivorous diet, they can become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in fields with early-sown grain and vegetable crops during the vulnerable germination phase.

The damage caused by lapwings is primarily associated with their foraging behavior on newly sown fields. The birds peck at swollen seeds and seedlings, often causing severe thinning of crop rows. This behavior leads to direct yield losses and may necessitate costly reseeding of affected areas in the field.

Their biology is closely tied to open landscapes, often leading them to nest on or near agricultural land. During the breeding season, the high activity of adult birds looking for food for their chicks coincides with the sowing season, making the crops an easy and abundant food source for these birds.

The characteristic damage involves the removal of young sprouts and the consumption of grains directly from the top layer of soil. By disrupting the seedling growth at an early stage, the lapwings negatively impact the plant density, which subsequently affects the overall uniformity and productivity of the crop.

Effective control measures require a combination of deterrent strategies. Modern agricultural practices suggest using specialized bird-repelling equipment and ensuring proper soil consolidation during sowing to cover seeds deeply. Integrated management helps mitigate damage without harming the local ecosystem.

• Deployment of bioacoustic bird repellers.
• Using rollers to ensure deep soil coverage of seeds.
• Placement of visual scarecrows and reflective materials.
• Monitoring fields during the critical germination period.