Plovers and Lapwings

Plovers and lapwings are small to medium-sized shorebirds with compact bodies, relatively large eyes, and short bills. Most have bold patterns on their feathers, especially on the head and chest, often showing strong black, white, and brown colours. Lapwings are usually bigger, with broader, rounded wings, and often have crests or fleshy growths on their heads. Plovers are generally smaller and have sleeker shapes. They live all over the world in places like coasts, mudflats, grasslands, and farmland. Many of these birds use clever tricks when nesting, pretending to be hurt to distract predators and keep them away from their eggs or young. Their way of feeding is quite different from other shorebirds: they run in short bursts, stop to look around, and then peck at food on the surface instead of digging into the mud. In Britain, the lapwing is a common bird that breeds here. The ringed plover and little ringed plover also nest in certain areas. Several other species can be seen passing through or staying during the winter along the British coasts.