Lapwing | Hainault Forest

Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

TQ4590 21/02/2025 ©Michael Trump

Lapwings have slow, irregular wing-beats when they fly and a high-pitched, piercing, wailing cry. The UK population has halved since the 1960s, decline mainly caused by a change in farming methods. Although regularly seen at Fairlop Waters, Lapwings do not appear at Hainault Lake much. It is also known as the 'Peewit' due to its characteristic call.