The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is a distinctive species of shorebird, with a long, wispy head crest. It is widespread across much of Europe and temperate Asia, with northern populations migrating south in winter,. Northern Lapwings inhabit open farmland, wet grassland, and marshes with short vegetation.

What does a Northern Lapwing sound like? The Northern Lapwing makes a range of strange, wheezy, squeaky calls which sound like someone tinkering with a synthesizer. These sounds become especially prominent during the breeding season, when males perform tumbling, acrobatic display flights over their territory while giving the calls and making distinctive humming sounds with their wings. They also give simpler ‘pee-wit’ calls, as well as softer, more clipped calls to communicate with mates and chicks on the ground. Northern Lapwings also make sharp alarm calls when they detect a potential predator.