Wildlife of Britain

Lapwing: Britain’s Tumbling Bird of the Wet Meadows The Lapwing is one of Britain’s most recognisable farmland birds, famous for its slow wingbeats, tumbling display flights and striking metallic plumage.  Once abundant across wetlands and lowland farmland, the species has suffered severe declines during the last century, making it an increasingly important symbol of conservation in the UK countryside. Known scientifically as Vanellus vanellus, the Lapwing is a member of the plover family and is often referred to by older rural names such as “Peewit”, after its distinctive call, or “Green Plover”, reflecting the iridescent sheen of its feathers.  During spring, breeding Lapwings perform spectacular aerial displays over fields and marshes, flipping and diving through the air while calling loudly to defend territory and attract mates. Despite being widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, the Lapwing has become much rarer in Britain due to habitat loss, agricultural intensifi...