White-crowned Lapwing
Vanellus albiceps
The White-crowned Lapwing (Vanellus albiceps) is a uncommon plovers and lapwing found in 28 countries, weighing about 192 g. The white-crowned lapwing, white-headed lapwing, white-headed plover or white-crowned plover is a medium-sized wader.
About the White-crowned Lapwing
The white-crowned lapwing, white-headed lapwing, white-headed plover or white-crowned plover is a medium-sized wader. It is resident throughout tropical Africa, usually near large rivers.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This lapwing is unmistakable. Its wings and tail are strikingly patterned in black and white, the back is brown and the underparts white. The head is particularly striking, being mainly grey, but with a white crown and foreneck. The eyering, facial wattles and legs are yellow. Females, males and young birds are similar in plumage.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Angola.
When to see it
The White-crowned 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 White-crowned Lapwing?
- This lapwing is unmistakable. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-crowned Lapwing?
- The White-crowned Lapwing is a medium sized bird weighing about 192 g.
- Where can you see a White-crowned Lapwing?
- The White-crowned Lapwing occurs in 28 countries, including South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
- What birds look similar to a White-crowned Lapwing?
- The White-crowned Lapwing is most easily confused with the Banded Lapwing, the White-tailed Lapwing and the Long-toed Lapwing.
- Is the White-crowned Lapwing endangered?
- The White-crowned Lapwing is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-crowned Lapwing for real
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