Northern lapwings have the shortest legs of all lapwing species. Lengthwise, they can grow 11 – 13 inches long and weigh 5 – 12 ounces. The northern lapwing has an impressive 2 – 3-foot-long wingspan that make a lapping sound when they fly, which is how they got their name. They are also known as “peewits” which is derived from the high-pitched call they make.

Male northern lapwings are covered with black plumage on their back and chest, and white on the underparts, with a long black crest and defined black facial markings. Both genders have similar bodies, the greenish tinge to their wings, and long pinkish legs, but females have a smaller crest and less-defined facial markings.

The northern lapwing is a wading bird that can be found in parts of Asia and Europe. They prefer short vegetation habitats such as marshes, grasslands, and pastures; however, they will migrate to Canada or the US during bad weather or invasive threats.

Northern lapwings are omnivores primarily feeding on different worms and larvae with a small amount of grains and seeds mixed in. They hunt at night to avoid other birds like gulls that may steal their prey. However, the gulls provide a degree of protection for the lapwings so each deceit (group of lapwings) must strike a balance.

Mating season for northern lapwings is in the earlier half of the year. Males will perform impressive aerial maneuvers to court the females. After mating, females will give birth to a clutch of four eggs; however, since predators are high, females will lay eggs in one-to-two-day increments. Both parents incubate and protect the eggs, which will hatch into small, helpless chicks that will be able to walk and fly after five to six weeks.

The main predators of northern lapwings are crows and foxes.

They migrate to avoid threats, lack of food, and low temperatures.