Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

Locally common residents of 150,000 breeding pairs at various inland and wetlands habitats in Britain.

Also breeds across mainland Europe & North Africa.

Winters on the coast & farmland.

Adults have rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwings.

Its plumage is mainly black and white, but its back is tinted green.

The Male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast, which contrast with an otherwise white face.

Females and Juveniles have shorter crests and less distinct markings on their heads, but their plumage is otherwise quite similar.

The call is a familiar wheezy peewit during their display flight.