Northern Lapwing

Of the lapwing family, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the peewit or pewit, tuit or tew-it, green plover, or pyewipe or simply lapwing (of Britain and Ireland). Via Temperate Eurosiberia, it is popular.

Over much of its vast range, it is strongly migratory, wintering farther south as far as North Africa, northern India , Pakistan, and parts of China. It largely migrates by day, sometimes in large flocks. Lowland breeders live in the westernmost regions of Europe.

It is a wader that breeds on cultivated lands and other environments with limited vegetation. In a field scrape, 3–4 eggs are laid. Noisily and violently, the nest and the youth are guarded against any intruders, including horses and cattle.

It forms enormous flocks in winter on open land , especially arable land and mud-flats.