Scientific Name:
Vanellus vanellus
Common Name:
Lapwing
Family:
Plovers, Dotterels and Lapwings: Charadriidae
Summary:
The Lapwing is a medium sized decorative bird. It has a distinctive crest, a whiteish face and a black bill. Black markings run across the face over the eye area. The breast is black and underparts mainly white with an orange patch behind the red legs. The wings and back are green and glossy, the wings darken towards the ends. The white rump can be seen during flight.
Ecology:
The Lapwing is also known as the Peewit due to its song. It has a wavering flight and is very acrobatic in the air during courting. It gathers into quite large flocks and feeds on farmland, mainly on insects. It nests amongst rushes in damp fields or marshes.
Habitat:
Marsh, estuary, damp farmland
Distribution:
Throughout the British Isles except the far north and west
Size:
30 cm