The Lapwing is a splendid bird that captivates with its gleaming green plumage and ornate crest. It is typically found in wetlands and fields. Among waders, Lapwings are easily distinguishable. Let’s explore their unique features and size.
What are the attributes of Lapwings?Lapwings are standout birds with long legs, dark chest bands, and a conspicuous crest. When observed from underneath, their black flight feathers contrast sharply with their bright white underparts. Lapwings display a greenish hue on their top, with their white rumps becoming visible only during flight.
Birds at rest display a remarkable glossy green, bronze plumage on their upper bodies, which becomes even more striking under opᴛι̇ɱum lighting conditions. Their underparts are white, with a thick black stripe encircling their chest and shoulders. The long, thin black crest may lie flat during flight. Their beaks are short, straight, and black, while their legs present a pinkish tint.
Lapwing malesThe Lapwing bird species encompasses both male and female members, but we will concentrate solely on the male Lapwing in this article. These birds are renowned for their distinctive look, which includes a black head, white forehead, and a brownish-black body. They also have long wings and a characteristic crest of feathers on their head.
Male Lapwings are highly territorial birds, fiercely defending their selected nesting site from other males. They are also celebrated for their unique courtship displays, which include jumping into the air and tumbling down while emitting loud calls to attract potential mates.
Although they may be aggressive in defending their territory, male Lapwings also demonstrate diligent paternal care, helping to incubate eggs and look after the young chicks once they hatch. Their commitment to their offspring often extends beyond their own brood, as they have been observed to adopt orphaned chicks and even defend other nests from predators.
In summary, the male Lapwing is an intriguing bird species that combines striking aesthetics with remarkable parenting skills and territorial behavior.
Female LapwingThe female Lapwing closely resembles her male counterpart, though she can be differentiated by her shorter crest during the mating season. The females also display more white on their face and throat. Right after Lapwing chicks hatch, they can be seen waddling near their parents. These little ones have mottled brown backs and crowns with dark chests from a young age. As they mature, juvenile Lapwings begin to resemble non-breeding adults more, except for their lighter breastbands and short crests. Lapwings are pigeon-sized waders with sturdy legs and solid bodies. Their length varies between 28 to 31 cenᴛι̇ɱeters, and they are as tall as they are long. Lapwings weigh about 128 to 330 grams and possess a broad wingspan that spans between 82 to 87 cenᴛι̇ɱeters.
Juvenile Northern LapwingThe Northern Lapwing, also recognized as the Peewit, is a vocal bird with a distinct call. During mating season, male Lapwings perform remarkable display flights while emitting a unique, almost mechanical sound. They produce their characteristic ‘pee-wit’ calls when they sense danger or wish to maintain contact with their flock.
Regarding their diet, Lapwings are insectivores that hunt for live prey on the ground. Their meals predominantly consist of small invertebrates that dwell on or within the soil, with earthworms being a significant portion. In addition, they feed on snails, various insects, and their larvae.
Baby Lapwings are precocial, which means they are well-developed upon hatching and can run and feed themselves from the very first day.
