The bird that looks like it has a helmet or crest on its head is likely the Northern Lapwing. The Northern Lapwing is a medium-sized wading bird that has a prominent rounded black crest on top of its head, resembling a helmet or small crown.
The Northern Lapwing, also known as the Peewit or Green Plover, is a striking bird with some very distinctive features. Most notably, it has a rounded crest on its head that looks like a black helmet or small crown sitting on top of its head. This unique crest sets it apart from other birds and makes it easy to identify.
In addition to the helmet-like crest, the Northern Lapwing has a number of other distinctive features:
- Medium-sized shorebird about 12 inches long with a wingspan around 28 inches
- Long yellow legs
- Long thin yellow beak with a black tip
- Distinctive black and white plumage pattern on its wings and back
- Bright white underside
- Long tail with white outer feathers
The Northern Lapwing is widespread across northern parts of Eurasia and can be found in wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, and shorelines. They are known for their rolling, tumbling display flight and loud “pee-wit” call which gives them their alternative name of Peewit.
Description of the Northern Lapwing’s Distinctive Crest
The most identifiable characteristic of the Northern Lapwing is the prominent rounded crest or “helmet” on top of its head. This crest is formed from elongated feathers that stand upright to form a rounded shape resembling a small helmet or crown sitting on the bird’s head.
Some key features of the lapwing’s unusual crest include:
- Formed from black elongated feathers approximately 2 inches long
- Sits on top of the head above the eyes and beak
- Rounded shape somewhat flattened on the top
- Sticks straight up above the head, unlike a typical pointed crest
- Looks like a miniature black helmet or crown perched on its head
This unique crest distinguishes the Northern Lapwing from all other birds. Even from a distance, the lapwing’s prominent black helmet makes it easy to identify. No other bird has a crest quite like it.
Behavior and Habitat
Northern Lapwings exhibit some interesting behaviors and live in some specific habitats and environments:
- Found in open wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, shorelines
- Nest on ground in shallow scraped out area in mud or grass
- Defensive “distraction” display involves bird fluttering along ground with wings spread, drawing predators away from nest
- Loud, rolling “pee-wit” call
- Dramatic tumbling display flight performed during breeding season
- Migratory bird, winters in coastal Africa, southwest Asia and Europe
The Northern Lapwing’s habitat and behaviors are adaptations to its wetland, shoreline environment. Its worldwide population is estimated to be between 460,000 – 800,000 pairs, though populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss. Lapwings are considered indicators of biodiversity in their wetland environments.
Role of the Distinctive Crest
The Northern Lapwing’s unusual helmet-like crest likely plays a few key roles for the bird:
- Visual Signal – Helps lapwings recognize and identify each other
- Courtship Display – Can be fanned out during breeding displays
- Camouflage – Breaks up bird’s silhouette and blends into vegetation
- Intimidation – May make lapwing appear larger to potential predators
So while the crest certainly gives the Northern Lapwing visual distinction, it likely evolved to serve practical functions related to territory, courtship, disguise, and defense.
Distinguishing the Northern Lapwing from Similar Species
While the Northern Lapwing’s helmet crest makes it easy to identify, some other shorebirds share physical similarities like size, habitat, and coloration. Key differences distinguishing it from similar species:
| Species | Differences from Northern Lapwing |
|---|---|
| Killdeer | Single black breastband, orange rump, no crest |
| Black-winged Stilt | Very long pink legs, thin straight black beak, no crest |
| Pied Avocet | Bold black and white plumage, thin upturned beak, no crest |
| American Golden Plover | Gold and black plumage, no crest |
The Northern Lapwing has no look-alikes when it comes to the distinctive black helmet-like crest on its head. Any sighting of a medium-sized shorebird with a rounded crest can confidently be identified as a Northern Lapwing.
Conclusion
With its unique black helmet-like crest, rolicking display flight, and noisy call, the Northern Lapwing is one of the most identifiable of all shorebirds. Its striking crest sets it apart from all other birds and serves important functions from courtship to defense. So if you see a medium-sized shorebird that appears to be wearing a miniature helmet on its head, you’ve spotted the one-and-only Northern Lapwing!
