Spur-winged Lapwing

Overview

The spur-winged lapwing, Vanellus spinosus, is a medium-large wader belonging to the family Charadriidae. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though it is declining in its northern range while expanding in eastern and southern Africa.

Identification

• Plumage: Features a black crown, chest, foreneck stripe, and tail, contrasting with a white face, neck, and belly; wings and back are light brown.
• Structure: Possesses black bill and legs, with a small hidden claw or spur in each wing.
• Vocalisation: Emits a loud 'did-he-do-it' call.

Habitat

The species prefers marshes and similar freshwater wetland habitats across its range, which extends from the eastern Mediterranean through sub-Saharan west Africa to Arabia. Greek and Turkish populations are migratory, while others remain resident, and the species is currently expanding into parts of southern Africa.

Diet

This bird feeds on insects and other invertebrates, which it picks from the ground.

Did you know?

Although there is no reliable evidence of a cleaning symbiosis with Nile crocodiles as claimed by ancient historians, these birds are often seen feeding around basking crocodiles and are tolerated by them. They also occasionally use their hidden wing-claws to attack animals or people who get too close to their exposed offspring.