THE lapwing, which used to be seen in large flocks on farmland all over Wiltshire, is now a rarely seen bird and conservationists are appealing to local people to report any sightings.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is asking people to take part in the countywide survey which began on March 1.

Lapwings, also known as Peewits because of their distinctive call, have striking white and green-black plumage, topped by an elegant crest. They like to be in open fields, eating insects and worms pulled from the ground and tend to be seen in small flocks.

Males perform wonderful tumbling display flights to attract females in the spring.

Emma Foulger, the RSPB's Wiltshire community officer, said: "We're asking people to look out for lapwings from the beginning of March until the end of May. Unfortunately, breeding lapwings are becoming rarer and we need to try to locate the birds, which nest on the ground on arable fields and pasture, so that we can work with landowners to safeguard them.

"Over the last 20 years lapwing numbers have declined by 50 per cent across the UK, but we know that there are still birds in Wiltshire and are determined to keep them, with help from the public."

Survey forms are available from post offices or from the RSPB in Salisbury on (01722) 427233.