The lapwing is a familiar medium-sized wading bird often seen in open, agricultural landscapes across the Old World. This species belongs to the family Charadriidae, which includes the plovers, and is a prominent member of the shorebird group known for inhabiting fields rather than just coasts. Lapwings are easily recognized due to their striking black-and-white plumage and a distinctive, elongated head feature. They are highly valued for their presence in wetlands and grasslands.
Classification and Defining Physical Traits
The most common and widely recognized species is the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), which represents the genus Vanellus. This bird measures between 28 and 33 centimeters in length, with a broad wingspan ranging from 82 to 87 centimeters. While the plumage appears black and white from a distance, the upperparts possess a remarkable iridescent sheen of glossy green and purple when viewed in direct light.
The most defining physical characteristic is a long, thin, wispy crest of feathers extending from the back of the crown. This feature is particularly noticeable on the male, who generally exhibits a longer crest and more sharply contrasting black and white facial markings than the female. The wings are broad and rounded at the tips, which is a key identification feature both on the ground and in flight.
Distinctive Behaviors and Vocalizations
Lapwings are known for their complex behavioral displays, especially during the breeding season. The male performs spectacular aerial maneuvers called “song flights” to attract a mate and establish territory. These flights involve an erratic, tumbling motion with steep ascents and sudden vertical dives. The name “lapwing” itself is thought to refer to the floppy, irregular wingbeats observed during these display flights.
The lapwing is highly vocal, with its most characteristic sound being a loud, plaintive call often transcribed as “pee-wit.” This vocalization has earned the Northern Lapwing the common nickname of Peewit. These calls are complex acoustic signals composed of combinations of up- and downsweeps.
As ground-nesting birds, lapwings exhibit strong protective behaviors toward their shallow scrape nests. When a potential threat approaches, the adults will engage in distraction displays to lure the predator away from the eggs or young. This can include aggressive running, swooping attacks, or even an injury-feigning display where the bird pretends to be hurt. Lapwings also use a foraging technique called “foot-trembling,” where they vibrate their feet on the ground to disturb invertebrates hidden in the soil, bringing them to the surface for capture.
Global Habitat and Distribution
The lapwing’s preferred environment consists of open, low-lying habitats, making them common sights across vast regions of the Palearctic. They generally inhabit open farmland, wet grasslands, meadows, and marshes with short vegetation. Moist soil is a consistent requirement for breeding and foraging, as it allows them to effectively probe for earthworms and insects.
The distribution of the Northern Lapwing is extensive, spanning across Europe, much of Eurasia, and into parts of Siberia. Many populations are highly migratory, undertaking substantial seasonal movements. Birds typically move south for the winter, with migration distances sometimes reaching between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometers. Their wintering grounds can be found as far south as North Africa, the Middle East, and eastern portions of Asia, including China and Japan.