Vanellus vanellus - Northern Lapwing
Feather characters. Barbules are from short until medium length (0.4-1.5 mm). Barbules are divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Small, unequally distributed spots of pigment may be seen in internodes. Both vase-shaped and slightly thickened nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (24-31 per mm). Proximal nodes are vase-shaped, they gradually decrease into slightly thickened nodes distally. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Prongs are absent.
Field characters. Size 31 cm. Weight: male 211 g (140-242), female 226 g (180-317) (Dunning, 1993). Bird typical of agricultural country. A large metallic green, black-and-white plover, with long crest and broad black band on breast, contrasting with white underparts. Rounded wings and relatively slow flapping action are distinctive. Tail white, with broad black terminal band; under tail-coverts rufous-buff.
Voice. Typical spring song "peerweet-weet-weet....peer-weet" is given in conspicuous display flight by male.
Distribution. Common breeding bird. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Occurs on arable agricultural land, moorlands, dunes, heath lands, etc.
Food. Feeding method consists of walk or run-pause-probe for prey. Practices frequently foot-trembling. Takes a wide variety of prey, mainly small invertebrates living in or on the ground: all sorts of insects, earthworms, molluscs, millipedes, woodlice, frogs, and small fish.