| 
Lapwing
in grass
Photo: Chris Gomershall
(RSPB Images) | The
lapwing is a familiar bird on Scotland's farmland and shoreline. However, its
population in Scotland has declined and its distribution across the country has
contracted in recent years. Lapwings can nest on a variety of agricultural
systems - their main requirement being short vegetation and/or bare ground. Within
arable systems, lapwings will nest in a field that is either in a spring-sown
crop or in stubble, avoiding fields that were sown in autumn where the crop is
tall. Lapwings may also nest on regenerating set-aside in its first year, before
the cover grows too tall. On grasslands, lapwings nest on fields with short vegetation
and in damp conditions. Chicks require short vegetation in which to feed.
Therefore, as crops grow taller, chicks will move to feed in more open areas nearby
- grass fields, fodder crops and grazed grassland. In many areas, damp grassland
can be a very productive invertebrate habitat and important for chick rearing.
Prescription 2 - the Management of Open Grazed Grassland for Birds and
Prescription 5 - the Management of Wet Grassland for Waders will ensure provision
of suitable conditions for nesting and chick rearing. Prescription 24 - the Introduction
or Retention of Extensive Cropping will provide suitable feeding areas for this
bird. In winter, Scottish lapwings move south and west , for example to
Ireland. Those birds found overwintering in Scotland probably breed in Scandinavia.
These lapwings feed on both arable and pasture fields, where the diet comprises
mainly earthworms and cranefly larvae. | 
