Vanellus vanellus

Northern Lapwing occur on a somewhat regular basis in Newfoundland – something no other place in North America can claim. This one was at Portugal Cove South in December, 2010.
– Photo: Jared Clarke (December 15, 2010)

Status: Rare (Less than annual)

Origins: Breeds across northern Europe and Asia, as well as Iceland. It is highly migratory and winters as far as northern Africa, India and parts of China.

Details: Records occur every few years, typically in November/December. An unusual trans-Atlantic storm in December 1927 brought hundreds (perhaps thousands) of Northern Lapwings to Newfoundland & Labrador. There are three spring records:  (1) Cape Race on April 25, 2010; (2) Goulds from April 12-15, 2022; and (3) Goulds on April 28-29, 2023.

* NOTE – This website is not an official account and “may” contain incorrect information and/or details of unconfirmed records. *