The name lapwing, which refers to the birds' slow wingbeat, is sometimes applied broadly to members of the subfamily Vanellinae. Lapwings are about 30 cm (12 inches) long, with broad, rounded wings. Several species have crests, and some have wing spurs (sharp projections at the bend of the wing for use in fighting).

Why is it called a lapwing?

Its Latin, Vanellus,name means 'little fan' and actually refers to its floppy, flapping flight. The name Lapwing is thought to derive from an Old English term meaning 'leap with a flicker in it' because the dense winter flocks appear to flicker between white and black when the birds flap their wings.

Are lapwings called plovers?

The traditional terms "plover", "lapwing", and "dotterel" do not correspond exactly to current taxonomic models; thus, several of the Vanellinae are often called plovers, and one a dotterel, while a few of the "true" plovers (subfamily Charadriinae) are known colloquially as lapwings.