Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
The Lapwing is a distinctive and familiar bird in Britain, commonly seen in wet meadows, farmland, and coastal areas, particularly during the breeding season from March to July. It is a widespread species in the UK, although its numbers have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Lapwing in the field.
The Lapwing can be identified at a glance by its broad, rounded wings, long legs, and distinctive crest, as well as its striking black and white plumage with a greenish sheen on its back. Its unique shape and colouration make it a recognizable species in the field.
The Lapwing is larger than a Blackbird, typically measuring between 28-32 cm in length, which is roughly the same size as a small crow.
The male Lapwing has a glossy black back with a purple and green sheen, white underparts, and a distinctive black crest on top of its head, with a white stripe running above its eye. Its plumage remains largely the same throughout the year, with some wear and tear on the feathers during the breeding season.
The female Lapwing is similar to the male, with slightly less glossy plumage and a less pronounced crest, but overall, the female's plumage is very similar to that of the male.
The Lapwing's call is a loud, piercing "pee-wit" or "peewit" sound, often repeated in a series of shrill, whistling notes, which is a characteristic and evocative sound of the British countryside.
Lapwings are ground-nesting birds that feed on insects, worms, and small invertebrates, often running or walking to catch their prey, and they are also known for their distinctive, acrobatic flight style, which involves rapid, twisting turns and dives.
The Lapwing can be confused with other plovers and waders, such as the Golden Plover, but it can be distinguished by its distinctive crest, broad wings, and greenish sheen on its back, as well as its unique call and flight style.
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