Lapwing

Lapwing ( Vanellus vulgaris), a common British bird, named from its habit of flapping its wings, and called Peewit, Peesweep, and in French Bixhuit, from its note. It belongs to the Plover family ( Charadriidm), and ranges eastward through Europe into Asia. The total length is about a foot. The head is crested. The dark plumage of the upper surface and breast bears a metallic gloss, and the under-surface is white. Lapwings frequent marsh and moorland, feeding on worms, molluscs, and insects. The flesh is valued for the table, and the eggs are often sold for those of the plover.