Lapwing

Vanellus vanellus

Appearance:
Pigeon-sized wader
Wispy crest extending upwards from back of head
Iridescent green and purple upperparts
White breast and cheeks
Orange-brown under tail
Pink legs
Summer:
     Black throat
Winter:
     White throat
     Buff-coloured border to the feathers of the upperparts

Yet another eye-catching bird I saw at the Wetlands earlier this week.  Apparently, the name refers to its peculiar, erratic way of flying.  Although referred to simply as Lapwing in the UK, elsewhere it is known as the Northern Lapwing.  It also goes by the name of Green Plover and Peewit.

Learn more about the Lapwing.