Northern Lapwing vs Grey-headed Lapwing

In short

The Northern Lapwing and Grey-headed Lapwing can be distinguished by head coloration and wing patterns. The Northern Lapwing has a striking black-and-white face with a long crest, while the Grey-headed Lapwing features a grey head with a distinct white supercilium and lacks the crest. Both species are similar in size and structure, but their plumage and habitat preferences offer reliable clues.

Identification tips

1. Look for the long crest on the Northern Lapwing's head, absent in the Grey-headed Lapwing. 2. Note the head coloration: black-and-white in Northern, grey with a white supercilium in Grey-headed. 3. Observe the wing pattern: iridescent green in Northern, more uniform grey in Grey-headed. 4. Listen for the Northern Lapwing's 'pee-wit' call, unlike the Grey-headed's calls. 5. Consider habitat: Northern in wet grasslands, Grey-headed near water bodies.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of lapwings, with no significant differences in body structure.

Plumage

The Northern Lapwing has a black-and-white face with a prominent long crest and iridescent green wings with white underparts. In contrast, the Grey-headed Lapwing has a grey head with a white supercilium, no crest, and a more uniform grey and white body with a distinctive black band across the chest.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors typical of lapwings, such as ground foraging and displaying during breeding.

Habitat

Northern Lapwings are often found in wet grasslands and agricultural fields, while Grey-headed Lapwings prefer riverbanks, marshes, and rice paddies.

Voice

The Northern Lapwing has a distinctive 'pee-wit' call, which is different from the Grey-headed Lapwing's more monotonous calls.