Waterbird Wednesday week 2 - Northern Lapwing
Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) are a familiar sight in the UK, with an estimated breeding population of 140'000 pairs. However, this number is dropping rapidly due to changes in farming techniques. More information on declines can be found on the RSPB website here.
In the winter, birds come down from the uplands to spend the colder months on lower wetland sites where the feeding is more reliable. They are a migratory species, and we get birds from the continent joining the wintering population. There is an estimated 650'000 individuals in the UK each winter.
Identification
Unmistakeable when seen well. Black and white patterning below obvious in flight. Black bib and cap present in all plumages, as well as white belly.
Summer
A summer plumage bird has a long black plume and a glossy black cap. It has a black bib and facial markings, and dark, glossy wings and back. It's belly and cheeks are white, and it has a white tail with a black tip. The wingtips are white.
Winter
In winter, birds show pale fringing to the wing coverts and the back.
Juvenile
A juvenile bird has a much shorter plume than an adult bird. The back has a "scalloped" effect due to pale fringing to the feathers.
Similar Species
There are no species which are particularly difficult to distinguish from Northern Lapwing.
