Long-toed Lapwing
Vanellus crassirostris
The Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris) is a rare plovers and lapwing found in 16 countries, weighing about 170 g. The long-toed lapwing , also known as the long-toed plover, is a species of wading bird in the lapwing subfamily, within the family Charadriidae.
About the Long-toed Lapwing
The long-toed lapwing , also known as the long-toed plover, is a species of wading bird in the lapwing subfamily, within the family Charadriidae. It is mainly sedentary and found across central and eastern Africa, from Chad and South Sudan in the north to Mozambique in the southeast of its range. It is one of 13 species of ground-nesting lapwings found in Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The long-toed lapwing measures 31 cm (12 in) in length with a body mass of 162–225 g (5.7–7.9 oz). It is a brown, black, and white lapwing with long red legs, long toes, and a red bill with a black tip. It has short wing spurs and rounded wings; in flight it shows extensive white in the wing feathers, as well as legs and feet extending beyond the end of the tail. It is sexually monomorphic and has no seasonal variation in plumage. Juveniles have a browner breast than adults and buff tips to feathers. Juvenile primary feathers are retained after the post-juvenile moult. Voice: Calls consist of repeated clicking with a metallic tone, described as "kick-k-k-k", and a high-pitched "wheet" call when flushed. Long-toed lapwings are more vocal during the breeding season, and they call rapidly as they attack other birds in their territories.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa.
When to see it
The Long-toed 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 Long-toed Lapwing?
- The long-toed lapwing measures 31 cm (12 in) in length with a body mass of 162–225 g (5.7–7.9 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Long-toed Lapwing?
- The Long-toed Lapwing is a medium sized bird weighing about 170 g.
- Where can you see a Long-toed Lapwing?
- The Long-toed Lapwing occurs in 16 countries, including Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, Namibia and Tanzania.
- What birds look similar to a Long-toed Lapwing?
- The Long-toed Lapwing is most easily confused with the Black-winged Lapwing, the White-crowned Lapwing and the Banded Lapwing.
- Is the Long-toed Lapwing endangered?
- The Long-toed Lapwing is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Long-toed Lapwing for real
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