ID (on dodgy evidence) if possible, please.

[roobarb]

Odd question but are there any birds that could look like lapwings in flight?!
I saw a small flock of birds which took flight before I could get a proper look at them which were black winged, white bodied so had a 'flashing' pattern when flying (sorry for rubbish description). They were large blackbird-ish in size. If it helps they were on rough pasture, edge of Exmoor. Thanks.

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by roobarb

Odd question but are there any birds that could look like lapwings in flight?!

Yes. Lapwings!

[roobarb]

Def nothing else then? Or I am missing the sarcasm!!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by roobarb

Def nothing else then? Or I am missing the sarcasm!!

Don't think there's any sarcasm there! Lapwings are pretty distinctive + sounds most likely candidate on description + habitat.

[Picidae]

Ash took the words right out of my mouth! ~Tx

Yes, they are pretty distinctive and, no sarcasm meant. There really isn't anything else that looks like them in flight.

[Blizzard]

Fieldfare would be my guess. A flock flying at a distance when you don't expect them could give that confusion, unlikely as it may seem .

[Blizzard]

I'm going to bump this, (before it disappears off the radar), and risk ridicule.

The reason I suggested Fieldfare is because I got caught out in November with a flock seen distantly that made me think Lapwing which I knew was highly unlikely as they have all left this area much earlier. I was certainly getting the black and white sort of appearance.

Later on I saw them again, closer and although I could tell they certainly weren't Lapwing I wasn't quite sure what they were and I was trying to think what they could be. I was on moorland and I know what is generally about at this time of year and couldn't figure out what they were. (Not having seen many Fieldfare this Autumn my brain wasn't in gear for them).

Then the penny dropped and was confirmed later when I got closer views of a flock of Fieldfare feeding on Juniper and occasionally rising and flocking before returning to feed.

Also the OP said large Blackbirdish in size, which to me sounds more like Fieldfare than Lapwing.

Any comments? Or should I just get my coat .

[roobarb]

Thanks for all the replies.Brilliant.

Today I saw the same (I think) birds who flew over me. White bellies and 'armpits', with the end half of their wing black (such technical terms!). We do have plenty of field fares here and these don't look like them -too big. I just have no spatial ability.
Am going with lapwings!

[Blizzard]

Originally Posted by roobarb

Thanks for all the replies.Brilliant.

Today I saw the same (I think) birds who flew over me. White bellies and 'armpits', with the end half of their wing black (such technical terms!). We do have plenty of field fares here and these don't look like them -too big. I just have no spatial ability.
Am going with lapwings!

That's great that you got another look and with the help from people on here (obviously not including me ) have come to a satisfactory conclusion.

I'll now get my coat .

[stigofthedump]

Originally Posted by Blizzard

That's great that you got another look and with the help from people on here (obviously not including me ) have come to a satisfactory conclusion.

I'll now get my coat .

Take ya coat off again Blizzard, compared to me you are an expert when it comes to bird ID's


Vince