African Wattled Lapwing

Overview

The African wattled lapwing (Vanellus senegallus), also known as the Senegal wattled plover, is a large lapwing in the family Charadriidae. It is a resident breeder in most of sub-Saharan Africa outside the rainforests and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Large brown body with a black crown and white forehead, featuring prominent large yellow facial wattles.
• White tail tipped with black and long yellow legs.
• In flight, black flight feathers and brown coverts are separated by a white bar on the upperwings, while underwings appear white with black flight feathers.
• Produces a loud peep-peep call.

Habitat

This species is a common breeder in wet lowland habitats, particularly damp grasslands, although it often forages in drier environments such as golf courses. Its range covers most of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding rainforests.

Diet

The bird feeds by picking insects and other invertebrates from the ground. It typically forages in drier habitats like golf courses, even though it breeds in wetter lowland areas.

Did you know?

The species is one of those to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.