In the spotlight Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

From a distance, it appears to be a bird of some size, due to the large and bluntly rounded, flapping wings, but the lapwing—or peewit— is really only a smallish wader. At close quarters, it reveals the marvellous iridescence of its shimmering, greeny-purple plumage. Add to this the contrasting areas of pure white on its face and undercarriage, its long, slender crest and melancholy song and it’s a bird of remarkable beauty and charm.

In winter, it might be possible to think that our lapwings were thriving, as sociable flocks forage in fields and on the coast. Such thoughts are much mistaken, however, as winter flocks hold seasonal migrants that are off again come spring. Vanellus vanellus was truly abundant in Victorian times, but both the bird and its eggs were so easily gathered and were considered such a delicacy that large-scale hunting began its decline. More recently, intensified farming has taken a toll on these ground-nesting birds, which are vulnerable to predation, so their numbers have dropped by some 80% since 1960 in England and Wales.