To celebrate the beginning of spring in the Gaelic calendar, ornithologist Seán Ronayne is across the schedule on RTÉ lyric fm with a new series to discuss the distinct bird songs, melodies and calls that we have today in Ireland. Listen to Sean get lyrical about the lapwing above...
About The Lapwing: The northern lapwing was declared Ireland's national bird in 1990. Perhaps this is in relation to its resemblance to the tricolour, with it’s emerald green back, pearly-white chest, and rufousy-orange rump and vent.
Top this off with a mesmerising, rainbow-like iridescence that shimmies over their plumage as they move in the light; big paddle-like wings that they seem to flap in exaggerated slow-motion, almost butterfly-like; and a wonderful regal crest on the head, that bounces and floats as they move. Lapwings are visually spectacular, and are a fine bird to represent us on a national level, both in looks and in song.
Listen to more from Bird Songs with Seán Ronayne here
