Also known as the peewit or green plover, it is a distinctive and beautiful bird found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It is well-known for its striking appearance, unique behaviors, and distinctive calls. One of its most recognizable features is its striking black and white plumage, with an iridescent green and purple sheen on its upperparts. The bird also has a distinctive crest on its head, which adds to its striking appearance.
Northern lapwings are ground-nesting birds, often found in open fields, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas. They prefer habitats with short vegetation, which provides good visibility and access to their primary food sources. Their diet mainly consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, which they forage for by walking slowly across the ground and pecking at the soil.
The nesting behavior of the Northern lapwing is quite interesting. They create shallow scrapes in the ground, often lined with bits of grass and other vegetation, to lay their eggs. Typically, the female lays four eggs, which are well-camouflaged with their speckled appearance. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
In the UK, the Northern lapwing is also known as the “peewit,” named after its distinctive call. It has been featured in literature, poetry, and folklore for centuries, often symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. In some cultures, lapwing eggs were considered a delicacy, and their collection was a traditional practice, though this is less common today due to conservation efforts.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua & Barbuda
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Cape Verde
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominica
Egypt
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Guadeloupe
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Martinique
Mauritania
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saint Lucia
Saint Pierre
Saint Vincent
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
St. Kitts & Nevis
Sudan
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turks & Caicos
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
