Black-winged Lapwing
Vanellus melanopterus
The Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus) is a rare plovers and lapwing found in 8 countries, weighing about 185 g. The black-winged lapwing. black-winged plover or greater black-winged lapwing is an east African species that is found from the Ethiopian highlands in the north to central Kenya, and again at middle to coastal elevations in eastern South Africa.
About the Black-winged Lapwing
The black-winged lapwing. black-winged plover or greater black-winged lapwing is an east African species that is found from the Ethiopian highlands in the north to central Kenya, and again at middle to coastal elevations in eastern South Africa. It is a habitat specialist of short grass in well-watered temperate grasslands. They may move about locally to find ideal situations, often at night. In their tightly grouped flying flocks they resemble plovers.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
A black breast band separates the lapwing's grey head and neck from the white underside. The wing coverts are brown. It has a variable but prominent white forehead patch similar to its near relative, the Senegal lapwing, but in contrast shows a prominent white wingbar in flight, bordered by black remiges. The two species are also separated by their respective habitat preferences, the Senegal lapwing preferring lower, mostly drier locations.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Black-winged Lapwing can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-winged Lapwing?
- A black breast band separates the lapwing's grey head and neck from the white underside. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-winged Lapwing?
- The Black-winged Lapwing is a medium sized bird weighing about 185 g.
- Where can you see a Black-winged Lapwing?
- The Black-winged Lapwing occurs in 8 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Eswatini.
- What birds look similar to a Black-winged Lapwing?
- The Black-winged Lapwing is most easily confused with the Senegal Lapwing, the Long-toed Lapwing and the Black-headed Lapwing.
- Is the Black-winged Lapwing endangered?
- The Black-winged Lapwing is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-winged Lapwing for real
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