ExploreBirds

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

The Northern Lapwing is a beautiful bird with a striking black and white body and a long crest on its head. It loves to be near fields and wetlands, where it can find tasty insects and worms to eat.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Northern Lapwing has glossy dark green-black upperparts that shimmer with purple and bronze, and a striking white face with a black gorget. It boasts a long, thin crest and broad, rounded wings, making its flight distinctive.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyCharadriidaeGenusVanellus
Northern Lapwing
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Northern Lapwing

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its nickname, 'Peewit,' comes from the unique sound of its calls!

Lapwings often nest on the ground in open fields, keeping their babies safe.

Male lapwings perform amazing 'butterfly dances' in the air to impress females!

The Northern Lapwing's eggs are camouflaged, blending in perfectly with the soil!

Special abilities

Ability

Acrobatic Flight Master

Northern Lapwing can perform amazing aerial displays and tumbles during courtship or to defend territory.

Ability

Parental Protector

Northern Lapwing can feign injury, flapping wings and dragging a leg, to distract predators from its nest or chicks.

Ability

Crested Communicator

Northern Lapwing has a long, wispy crest that helps them signal mood or readiness during breeding season.

Measurements & details

Length
28-31 cm
Wingspan
67-72 cm
Weight
0.128-0.33 kg
Lifespan
3-10 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
24-31 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds love munching on worms and bugs they find by probing in the soil!

Age differences: Juveniles start with smaller invertebrates, gradually eating the same as adults.

Primary Foods

  • Earthworms
  • Insect larvae
  • Beetles
  • Slugs
  • Snails

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Digs for these in soft soil.

eats

Ground Beetle

Carabus nemoralis

Forages for these insects on farmland.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Foxes frequently predate on nests and young.

eaten by

Least Weasel

Mustela nivalis

Preys on eggs and small chicks.

Traits

Also known as

Green PloverPeewit

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bird's nest, be sure to look but don't touch it. The birds need their homes to stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Lapwing?

28-31 cm

What is Northern Lapwing's wingspan?

67-72 cm

How much does Northern Lapwing weigh?

0.128-0.33 kg

How long does Northern Lapwing live?

3-10 years

How fast can Northern Lapwing move?

60 km/h

What does Northern Lapwing eat?

These birds love munching on worms and bugs they find by probing in the soil!

Where is Northern Lapwing usually found?

Wetlands

How does Northern Lapwing hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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