The lapwing is also known as as the Peewit or Green Plover, it Gaelic it is known as Currag. From a distance they appear to be balck and white but when seen close up the upper parts are an iridescent dark green and purple. During flight the alternating white then black of the flapping wings may have given the bird its name. It derives from the old English word 'hleapewince', which means 'leap with a flicker in it'. During the breeding season, from February until June, male lapwings put on impressive acrobatic displays over their breeding territories to attract females, they also have a very distinct call which has led to the alternative name of peewit.

Lapwings are found on open grassland and pastures where there is a good supply of worms and insects. The Western Isles still has good populations of lapwings due to the farming practices that exist, it is in decline elsewhere in the UK.

Lapwings can be seen throughout the estate but some of the best places to see them are the machair at Lionel and Fivepenny, particularly near Loch Stiapabhat.

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