Blacksmith Lapwing

Overview

The blacksmith lapwing, or blacksmith plover, is a lapwing species native to central and southern Africa. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is known for its boldly patterned plumage.

Identification

• Very boldly patterned in black, grey, and white, possibly serving as warning colours to predators.
• Features red eyes and a sharp black carpal (wing) spur on the wrist joint used to defend young by targeting the heads of threats.
• The bill is bare of plumage and black, while the legs are either black or white-grey dappled.
• Females are on average larger and heavier than males, though the sexes are generally alike.

Habitat

This species occurs in association with wetlands of all sizes, ranging from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa. It avoids mountains and has expanded its range into areas with dams and intensive farming, such as the Western Cape of South Africa, where it was absent until the 1930s.

Diet

The blacksmith lapwing feeds on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.

Did you know?

Its common name derives from its repeated metallic 'tink, tink, tink' alarm call, which suggests the sound of a blacksmith's hammer striking an anvil.