Belongs to: breeding waders
Lapwing (nesting) Vanellus vanellus
Also known as: pee-wit, green plover
BoCC Red list
Best time to see: mid Mar to mid Jul
Key facts
Wader with a distinctive crest found commonly in wet meadows, where they probe for insects such as wireworms
Habitat: freshwater marshes, moors, estuaries and fields
Resident; widespread and common in winter, but has declined drastically as a breeding bird
Recognition
Green glossy sheen to upperparts, black and white face, black crest and pinkish long legs; magpie-sized, i.e. 30 cm
On the ground look for the crest and long legs and, in flight, the rounded wings and short tail
In winter often flocks on open fields along with gulls and golden plovers
Lifecycle
Acrobatic, swooping display flights by the male in spring over its territory, making pee-wit calls
Bringing food to its chicks, on the ground in wet meadows
- photo
© Alan Williams