The Eurasian Dotterel nests on dry, wind-exposed mountain heaths. The nest is a simple scrape on the ground. After the female has laid her clutch, usually 3 eggs, it is the male that incubates alone for about three to four weeks and then cares for the young. Meanwhile the female may seek out a new male and lay a further clutch. The young are nidifugous and find their own food under the male's watch.