Northern Lapwing
Near ThreatenedVanellus vanellus
Visual Identification
Northern Lapwing
Appearance
The Northern Lapwing is a striking wader with a distinctive black crest, iridescent green back, and black-and-white pattern on its wings and underparts. Its round-winged shape and broad, rounded wing tips are key identification features. Their short, straight bill is black, and their legs are pinkish.
Males have longer crests and more contrasting plumage than females. In winter, both sexes display duller colours, with brownish feather edges on the upperparts.
Lapwing chicks can be seen near their parents from the day they hatch. The tiny youngsters are all legs and have mottled brown backs and crowns, with dark chests from an early age. As they mature, juveniles look increasingly like non-breeding adults but have paler breast bands and short crests.
Size
Length
28cm to 31cm
Wingspan
67cm to 72cm
Weight
128g to 330g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White Green
Secondary Colour
Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Northern Lapwings inhabit open country, including farmland, wet meadows, and coastal habitats across Europe and temperate Asia. They prefer short vegetation for nesting and feeding.
In winter, many birds from northern and eastern populations migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. In the UK, they are widespread residents, with numbers boosted by winter visitors from continental Europe.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Northern Lapwings primarily feed on insects, worms, and other invertebrates. They use a distinctive foraging technique called 'foot-trembling', where they tap the ground with their feet to disturb prey.
During winter, they may supplement their diet with some plant material, including seeds and leaves.
Behaviour
Northern Lapwings are known for their acrobatic flight displays during the breeding season, performing twisting turns and rolls accompanied by their distinctive calls.
They often feed in flocks, walking with a deliberate gait and frequently pausing to look for prey. When threatened, they employ distraction displays to lure predators away from nests.
Vocalisation
The Northern Lapwing's call is a distinctive, far-carrying 'pee-wit' or 'pee-wee-wit', which gives the bird its alternative name 'Peewit'.
During the breeding season, males produce a buzzing 'song' accompanied by wing beats during display flights, creating a mechanical whirring sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Northern Lapwings breed from March to July, with males performing elaborate aerial displays to attract mates. They are known for their 'tumbling' flight and loud calls during courtship.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often in fields or near wetlands. Females typically lay 3-4 olive-brown eggs with black markings. Both parents may create multiple scrapes before selecting the final nest site.
Incubation lasts about 26-28 days, shared by both parents. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching and fledge after 35-40 days.
Lifespan
The Northern Lapwing typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 24 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Northern Lapwing is classified as Near Threatened due to population declines across its range. Agricultural intensification, habitat loss, and changes in land management practices are primary threats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Northern Lapwings in open fields, pastures, and wetlands
- Listen for their distinctive 'peewit' call, which gives them one of their common names
- Observe their unique flight pattern with broad, rounded wings
- In the UK, watch for large flocks in coastal areas during winter
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Peewit, Green Plover
Family:
CharadriidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Northern Lapwings can swim and have been observed bathing in shallow water.
- They have a 360-degree field of vision, helping them spot predators in open habitats.
- Their eggs were once considered a delicacy in some European countries, contributing to population declines.
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FAQs
What are Lapwings called in Scotland?
Lapwings are common in Scotland, where they are also known as peewits or Green Plovers.
What is a flock of Lapwings called?
A group of Lapwings is called a deceit. This unusual name refers to their habit of feigning injury to protect their nests.
How many Lapwings are in the UK?
Nearly 100,000 Lapwing pairs nest in the UK, although their numbers may increase to over 600,000 individuals in the non-breeding season.
Do Lapwings fly at night?
Lapwings are active both during the day and night. They are particularly active on bright, moonlit nights when they will forage, fly, and call.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Vanellus vanellus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22693949A111044786.
View source - 1 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International