| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Near Threatened
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| Approximate size(adult): | A medium-sized plover measuring 28–31 cm in length with a wingspan of 67–87 cm. Notable for its long crest, broad rounded wings, and iridescent green and purple upperparts.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Breeds across temperate Europe and Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia to Russia. Populations in the northern range are migratory, while some in western Europe are resident.
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| Migrate to: | Migrates south to southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of East Asia during winter. Winter visitors are common in northern India.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds from April to July. The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, often in open farmland, pastures, or grasslands. Typical clutch size is 3–4 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Found breeding in wet meadows, open farmland, pastures, and steppe regions with short vegetation.
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| Habitat: | Prefers open grasslands, marshes, agricultural fields, and floodplains, especially near water. In winter, also uses ploughed fields and wet paddy areas.
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| Diet: | Feeds mainly on invertebrates, including earthworms, insects, mollusks, and crustaceans, gleaned from soil or shallow water.
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