Species BirdsNorthern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

Very rareBird
Illustration of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

The Northern Lapwing is a Eurasian plover that very occasionally appears in eastern North America, particularly Newfoundland and the Northeast, after Atlantic storms blow birds off course. Its wispy crest, iridescent green back, and black breast are distinctive. The name 'lapwing' refers to its slow, irregular wingbeats that look like lapping.

Habitat
Open fields, pastures, and wetland margins
Diet
Earthworms, insects, and small invertebrates
How common
Very rare

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