Lapwings can be recognised by their long crests, black and white patterns, and very broad, round wingtips. From a distance, Lapwings look black and white, but up-close, the back has an iridescent green and purple sheen.

Where are lapwings found?

Lapwings are found on farmland throughout the UK particularly in lowland areas of northern England, the Borders and eastern Scotland. In the breeding season prefer spring sown cereals, root crops, permanent unimproved pasture, meadows and fallow fields. They can also be found on wetlands with short vegetation.

Is a plover the same as a lapwing?

Lapwings have broad, rounded wings, plovers have pointed wings. Plovers may be separated into smaller groups, including the 'ringed' plovers (several species worldwide, two in the UK) and the 'golden' type, with spangled upperparts and extensive areas of black beneath in breeding plumages.