Northern Lapwing

1. Bird Name: Northern Lapwing, also known as the Peewit or Green Plover. Scientific name: Vanellus vanellus.

2. Appearance: An easily recognisable bird, the Northern Lapwing has a striking appearance with a long crest on its head, a black crown, and a white cheek patch. The body boasts a greenish-black iridescence on the upperparts, unlike anything seen on other bird species, which changes to purplish-bronze or coppery-orange depending on the angle of light. The underparts are primarily white. The bird’s beak is short and black, while the eyes are brown. Males and females look very similar, but the males’ plumage tends to be brighter, and his crest is noticeably longer and fuller.

3. Size: The Northern Lapwing typically measures about 28 – 31 cm (11 – 12 inches) in length with a wingspan of 67 – 87 cm (26 – 34 inches). Their weight tends to range from 150 – 300 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Northern Lapwings live across much of Europe and Asia and parts of northern Africa. You’ll find them in a variety of open environments such as farmlands, wetlands, marshes, and moorlands. They prefer flat, open spaces and avoid dense woodland and urban locations.

5. Interesting Facts: Northern Lapwings have a distinctive, high-pitched ‘pee-wit’ call, hence one of their common names, Peewit. Despite their awkward appearance, these birds are swift and agile fliers, often seen performing somersaults and dives during their elaborate courtship displays. Northern Lapwings also practice ‘mobbing’ behavior, actively harassing predators to drive them away from their nesting grounds. In many cultures, their arrival signals the start of spring.

6. Diet: The diet of Northern Lapwings includes various types of insects, earthworms, snails, and other small invertebrates, as well as some plant-based food like seeds and berries during colder months.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Northern Lapwings are gregarious birds that often gather in large flocks outside the breeding season. Their call is a high, plaintive ‘pee-wit,’ from which their common name is derived. A sharp ‘kew-kew-kew’ sound is also often heard when the bird is distressed or alerting others of danger.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Northern Lapwing is currently classified as a species of “Least Concern”. However, their population is declining due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices.

9. Lifespan: Northern Lapwings can live for about 10–15 years in the wild, but they may survive longer in captivity under optimal conditions.

10. Additional Notes: In France, the bird is often called ‘Vanneau Huppé.’ There’s an old legend that Northern Lapwings have special enmity toward predators, even possessing the ability to blind those that attack them. In terms of ecosystem roles, these birds contribute to controlling pests by consuming insects and invertebrates, and they serve as an indicator species, providing scientists with valuable information about the health of wetland habitats.