Any of numerous bird species of the plover family (Charadriidae), especially the Eurasian lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus ) of farmlands and grassy plains.
Lapwings are about 12 in. (30 cm) long and have broad, rounded wings. Several species have crests, and some have wing spurs (sharp projections at the bend of the wing). The Eurasian lapwing is green-glossed black above with white cheeks, black throat and breast, white belly, and white tail with a black band. About 24 other species are found in South America, Africa, southern Asia, Malaya, and Australia.
Eurasian lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus )
Ingmar Holmasen