How to identify the Northern Lapwing

To correctly identify the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

28-31 cm

Wingspan

67-72 cm

Weight

128-330 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have iridescent dark green-black upperparts with purple and bronze sheens, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. The breast is black, and there is a long, wispy crest on the head. The face is white with a black stripe below the eye and a black throat. The undertail coverts are rufous-orange.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively short, straight, and slender bill, black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull pinkish-brown to reddish-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive features are the long, wispy crest, the iridescent green-black upperparts, and the broad, rounded wings with slow, floppy wingbeats in flight. The rufous undertail coverts are also a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter crests, duller upperparts with buff fringes to the feathers (giving a scaly appearance), and less extensive black on the face and breast. The rufous undertail coverts are also duller.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Breeding plumage is as described for adults. In non-breeding plumage, the black on the face and throat may be slightly duller and more mottled with white, and the crest can appear less prominent. The iridescent sheen may also be less intense.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males typically have a longer crest and a more extensive black throat and breast band, especially during the breeding season. Females have a slightly shorter crest and often show some white mottling on the black throat/breast, which can be less sharply defined.

Key field marks

• Crest. Look for the long, thin, wispy crest extending from the back of the head. This is a key diagnostic feature.
• Plumage Coloration. Observe the striking contrast between the iridescent dark green-black upperparts (often appearing purple or bronze in good light) and the pure white underparts. Note the black breast band and rufous undertail coverts.
• Wing Shape and Flight. In flight, notice the broad, rounded wings and the characteristic slow, 'flappy' wingbeats. The white wing linings are also visible from below.
• Call. Listen for the distinctive, plaintive 'pee-wit' call, which is often given in flight or when disturbed.
• Habitat. Look for them in open, short-vegetation habitats such as agricultural fields, wet grasslands, and pastures.

Explore the Northern Lapwing