What Is a Group of Lapwings Called?

If you’ve ever spotted a cluster of sleek, crested birds darting and calling across open fields or wetlands, you might have encountered lapwings. These quirky, vocal birds have a fascinating name for their group—one that evokes imagery of elegance, sound, and spectacle. So, what is a group of lapwings called?

A group of lapwings is commonly called a “deceit”.

Intriguing, right? But why “deceit”? And what makes lapwings so unique among flocking birds? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the origin of this peculiar group name, uncover incredible lapwing behaviors, and answer popular questions about their social lives. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply curious, you’re about to dive into the secret world of lapwings.

What Is a Group of Lapwings Called?

The most widely accepted collective noun for lapwings is a “deceit”. Some less common terms include:

• A trip of lapwings
• A knob of lapwings
• A desert of lapwings (in rare historical texts)

However, “deceit” remains the most poetic and widely recognized term, appearing in several birding glossaries and old English literature.

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The Curious Origin of “Deceit”

Why would a group of innocent-looking birds be called a “deceit”? The answer lies in the lapwing’s remarkable use of distraction and deception during nesting.

The Art of Misdirection

Lapwings, especially during breeding season, are masters of misdirection. When a predator or human gets too close to their nest, a lapwing will:

• Call loudly and run in a different direction
• Fake a wing injury to lure predators away
• Circle and mob the intruder to confuse them

These clever techniques serve one purpose: to protect their eggs and chicks without engaging in direct conflict. Early observers, particularly in medieval England, were fascinated by this behavior—and the word “deceit” captured it perfectly.

Lapwing Species Overview

There are about 25 species of lapwings, all members of the subfamily Vanellinae. The most commonly known is the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the peewit or green plover.

Common Features of Lapwings

• Crested head (especially in Northern Lapwings)
• Broad, rounded wings
• Iridescent plumage with green, black, or bronze hues
• Loud, whistling calls—hence the nickname “peewit”
• Ground-nesting habits in open habitats

Lapwings are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of Australia and South America, depending on the species.

Why Lapwings Gather in Groups

Lapwings are highly social birds. Outside the breeding season, they often form large flocks—or should we say, deceits—for several important reasons:

1. Safety in Numbers

A large group makes it harder for predators to single out individuals, and collective vigilance means someone is always on the lookout.

2. Foraging Efficiency

Lapwings eat insects, worms, and small invertebrates. In fields and wetlands, they can cover more ground quickly and detect food sources through group activity.

3. Roosting and Migration

During winter, lapwings roost communally. Their flocks can swell to thousands, especially in open grasslands or muddy flats.

Fascinating Lapwing Behavior in Groups

Watching a group of lapwings is like observing an aerial ballet. Here’s what makes their group dynamics so mesmerizing:

Mobbing Predators

Lapwings aren’t shy when it comes to defending their territory. They’ll swoop and dive at crows, hawks, or even humans, using collective aggression to drive away threats.

Coordinated Flight Patterns

Lapwing flocks are known for their synchronized flight, turning and banking in unison. The sound of hundreds of wings beating at once is unforgettable.

Communal Roosting

At night or in cold weather, lapwings huddle together. This behavior conserves heat and offers protection from predators.

Where You Can See Groups of Lapwings

In Europe:

• The UK: Wet meadows, plowed fields, and coastal marshes
• The Netherlands and Germany: Wintering grounds for massive flocks

In Asia:

• India and Pakistan: Red-wattled lapwings are common in farmland and urban areas

In Africa:

• Blacksmith lapwings are found near rivers, lakes, and dams

To spot a deceit of lapwings, visit their habitat at dawn or dusk, particularly in late fall and winter when flocks are largest.

Other Collective Nouns for Birds

Bird group names are famously poetic and whimsical. Here are a few other examples:

• A murder of crows
• A parliament of owls
• A gaggle of geese (on land)
• A skein of geese (in flight)
• A murmuration of starlings
• A charm of finches

The term “deceit” fits right into this tradition—evocative, symbolic, and rooted in behavior.

Lapwings in Folklore and Culture

Lapwings have appeared in literature, poetry, and folklore across cultures:

• Shakespeare referenced the lapwing’s deceptive nature in Measure for Measure:
  “This bird is so forward in his flight that he leaves his tail behind him.”
• In Irish mythology, lapwings were thought to carry the souls of the dead.
• In Japan, lapwings (especially the Masked Lapwing) are considered protective spirits of rice paddies.
• Some Native American traditions link lapwings to trickster figures—again emphasizing the bird’s clever tactics.

How to Attract Lapwings to Your Area

While not common backyard birds, if you live in a rural or semi-wild area, you might be able to attract lapwings by following these tips:

1. Preserve Open Fields and Wetlands

Lapwings prefer flat, open areas with short vegetation for nesting and feeding.

2. Avoid Pesticides

These birds rely on insects and invertebrates. Healthy soil and bug populations are key.

3. Protect Nesting Sites

Lapwings nest on the ground. Mark or fence off known nests to protect them from machinery or trampling.

4. Provide Shallow Water Sources

Seasonal pools or flooded fields attract lapwings, especially during migration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

So, what is a group of lapwings called? The answer—a deceit—is more than just a quirky name. It captures the heart of what makes these birds so fascinating: their intelligence, social behavior, and survival strategies.

From poetic aerial displays to clever parenting techniques, lapwings offer a world of wonder to those who stop and watch. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or someone newly enchanted by the natural world, take a moment to admire the next deceit of lapwings you encounter—and remember the rich story behind the name.