The numbers and distribution of LapwingsV. vanellusnesting in England and Wales in 1987

Abstract

A survey of the numbers, distribution and habitat preferences of breeding Lapwings in England and Wales was conducted by members of the British Trust for Ornithology in spring (April) 1987. One randomly selected tetrad was surveyed in each 10-km square of the National Grid which contained any land. A total of 123 134 pairs was estimated, with 95% confidence limits of about 110000 and 138 000 (derived from 2 bootstrap methods). There was a marked concentration in northwest England with very few in Wales or the southwest peninsula. In total, 96% of birds were found in farmland with spring-tilled fields the preferred nesting habitat. Autumn-sown fields were consistently avoided. The preferences for grass were more variable although leys were the least preferred grass type, and there was a greater preference for grass in regions in which there was only a small area compared to tillage, showing that a mixture of spring tillage and grass is the best farming system for breeding Lapwings. Grazed grass was preferred to ungrazed. The results were compared with two earlier national surveys, in 1937 and 1960, and the patterns are discussed, especially with respect to changes in farming practices.