Lapwing (was - Name the bird?)

Einhard

Hey,
I was up at Lough Boora today, and I saw a flock of birds which seemed to be grazing in a field beside the lake. They were relatively large (gull sized perhaps) and had black backs. Their front was quite striking as it was white at the bottom and black towards the throat. They seemed to have a white collar and a black head. There also seemed to be a protrusion from the back of their head, as if a few feathers had been combed back. Anyone have ideas on what they might be? I didn't have my camera so no photos.

Judgement Day

Lapwing?

V Bull

More than likely Lapwings..

Einhard

That's probably them alright. Thanks.

Do they congregate in large flocks by any chance? Before i saw them in the field, i had seen a large flock of birds whirling in the distance. Could it have been lapwings?

Judgement Day

They do gather in flocks especially in wintertime.

whyulittle

They have started to gather in flocks again. If you were out at the Partridge Habitat, there is a raised hide in one of the plots - you see them in there a lot.

V Bull

WUL & Judgement Day are correct, both adult and young are now gathering into flocks...a great sight and sound..photos taken at Lough Boora Parklands..