Identifying Lapwings
Photograph and information on Lapwings…
Lapwings, or Vanellus vanellus are fascinating birds to watch in flight. At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking they are a bird of prey as they swoop down to the ground and back up again with alarming speed. On a bare field they look every inch the predator and have a unique call which fills the air and adds even more character to this strange bird. In fact it is this call which earns them their alto ego of Peewit.
Most of my sightings have been in freshly ploughed fields and along river banks which they patrol like a buzzard or owl whilst lighting up the sky with their white and blue-black feathers. Quite why they fly in such a ‘hunter-gatherer’ way I do not know as their main diet consists of butterflies, caterpillars and worms. It is during these feeding times that I have seen them do battle with crows and gulls which try and take their catch from them. Ironically, the lapwing can be seen in the company of gulls as a way of protecing themselves from other predators, very much a case of ‘better the devil you know’ I suppose.
Lapwings can be seen in the UK all year round but their numbers have decreased in the past decade due, once again to changes in farming methods with the loss of much of their feeding and nesting ground. A scheme is now in place to create areas of safe haven for lapwings, plovers and other ground nesting birds within arable fields which do not use pesticides.
The Lapwing
Miles,
.
Beautifully captured and excellent write-up.
Strangely enough, we were watching a programme last night that included the lapwing. You are right up there with the info
Anne
May 8, 2010 @ 9:29 am
Miles,
great stuff and a cracking shot.
I don’t tend to see Lapwings when I’m out and about, they’re certainly not common
Best
Rod
May 8, 2010 @ 10:02 am
Miles,
He’s a looker alright and your picture shows off the colour and form of his plumage beautifully. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one but now at least perhaps I’ll recognize the Lapwing should I get the chance.
Cid
May 8, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
All,
They’re well worth keeping an eye out for, especially in flight and their voice is really quite something.
Miles
May 8, 2010 @ 2:17 pm