Northern Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

© 2025
Share   
3 recent observations

Brief #

Mainly black and white, but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown,

Synonyms #

  • Avefría europea (Spanish)
  • Avefría (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Northern Lapwing is close to being at high risk of extinction in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

It has rounded wings and a crest. It is also the shortest-legged of the lapwings. It is mainly black and white, but the back is tinted green. The male has a long crest and a black crown, throat and breast contrasting with an otherwise white face. Females and young birds have shorter crests, and have less strongly marked heads, but plumages are otherwise quite similar.

Measurements #

Length: 28 - 33 cm
Wingspan: 67 - 87 cm
Weight: 128 - 330 g