Lapwing (nesting) Vanellus vanellus

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