The Garden Window

Lapwing

The Lapwing is also commonly called a 'Peewit', in imitation of its shrill peeooo-wit call. Lapwing flocks usually number over a hundred. Having gathered near feeding areas, these can then be seen flying to warmer conditions, sometimes high above cities. A very large flock can reach thousands. During the upland breeding season, males attract females by scraping out of the nest. Complicated and acrobatic flying displays follow, giving the Lapwing its name due to the tumbling, flapping and humming involved. One characteristic move is for the male to dive down twisting and spinning, only to pull up at the last minute. They are extremely agile, and can also take flight and turn in order to scare or mob predators, which range from foxes to gulls. A life span of up to five years is typical in the wild.