290 BRITISH BIRDS 



for the south. It is known that this bird, which was once common 

 in this country, has been diminishing in numbers for many years. 

 and that very few pairs, if any, survive in the Lake District. 



Lapwing. 



Vanellus vulgaris. 



FIG. 98 LAPWING. ^ natural size. 



Crown and crest greenish black ; sides of neck whitish ; upper 

 parts metallic green with purple reflections ; quills black ; tail- 

 feathers white with a broad black band ; face, throat, and upper 

 breast bluish black ; belly and axillaries white ; tail- coverts fawn- 

 colour. Length, twelve inches. 



The lapwing, pewit, or green plover, as he is variously named 

 from his manner of flight, note, and colour, is a familiar bird to most 

 persons, and undoubtedly the best and most generally known member 

 of the order which includes plover, snipe, and their allies. He is 

 widely distributed in the British Islands, and fairly abundant, and, 

 furthermore, is a bird it is impossible to overlook, on account of his 

 conspicuous colouring, his singular manner of flight and appearance 

 on the wing, and his unique voice. A first meeting with the lap- 



