Bird Guide

Blacksmith Lapwing vs Red-wattled Lapwing

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

Blacksmith Lapwing

Vanellus armatus

Medium156 gWetland

Blacksmith lapwings are very boldly patterned in black, grey and white, possibly warning colours to predators. It is one of five lapwing species (two African, one Asian and two Neotropical) that share the characteristics of red eyes and a bold pied plumage, with a carpal (wing) spur adorning the wrist joint; a sharp black protrusion which they use to aggressively defend their young from potential threats, through persistent aerial dives typically targeting the head.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Diego Rubolini · CC BY 4.0
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)

Red-wattled Lapwing

Vanellus indicus

Medium181 gWetland

Red-wattled lapwings are large waders, about 35 cm (14 in) long. The wings and back are light brown with a purple to green sheen, but the head, a bib on the front and back of the neck are black. Prominently white patch runs between these two colours, from belly and tail, flanking the neck to the sides of crown. Short tail is tipped black. A red fleshy wattle in front of each eye, black-tipped red bill, and the long legs are yellow. In flight, prominent white wing bars formed by the white on the secondary coverts.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Ujjal Kishor De · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dani Alba · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Blacksmith Lapwing and Red-wattled Lapwing.