Taxonomy
Vanellus vanellus | Northern Lapwing | Pilibín
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The last IUCN Red List
assessment, carried out in 2016, notes the Lapwing as a ‘Near Threatened’
species on a global scale. Additionally, the population was assessed as
decreasing.
Species Biology
Identification
The Lapwing is a conspicuous
wader, sporting a brownish back, white underparts and a black chest that runs
up to a black and white head with a thin black crest extending from the head.
Under favourable light
conditions, its wings are distinctive. It has flesh-coloured legs.
The wings are round in shape and
the Lapwing has a plump, heavy chested appearance.
A typical Lapwing stands at 28-31
cm in length with a wingspan of 82-87 cm and a weight of 140-320 grams.
Diet
The Lapwing mainly feeds on
ground invertebrates such as annelids and arthropods.
It feeds at night to reduce
competition from other species such as gulls.
Habitat
Suitable wintering habitat
includes various wetland habitats as well as unimproved pasture and rough land.
It breeds in both wet and dry
semi-natural grassland, in open landscapes.
Reproduction
The Lapwing will lay a clutch of
four eggs, each weighing approximately 26 grams from late March to late May.
The eggs are incubated for a
period of 25-34 days and the young will fledge after 35-40 days.
A typical wild Lapwing has a life
expectancy of five years and breeds after the second year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
There is a population of resident
Lapwing in Ireland. The Irish population is bolstered in both the summer and
winter by visitors from European populations.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/lapwing/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/lapwing/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob4930.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693949/111044786