Vanellus tectus
The Black-headed Lapwing (*Vanellus tectus*) is a striking member of the Charadriidae family, celebrated for its bold head pattern and agile terrestrial movements. Measuring 25-29 cm (10-11 inches) in length and weighing approximately 100-150 grams, this medium-sized shorebird features a distinctive black crown and nape, contrasted sharply with a bright white forehead, supercilium, and throat, often accented by a small red wattle at the base of its short yellow bill. Its back is a warm brown,...
This species primarily inhabits dry grasslands, open savannas, semi-arid scrub, and cultivated fields, avoiding dense forests and true deserts. It is typically found at lower to moderate elevations, generally below 1800 meters.
The diet consists predominantly of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and termites, as well as their larvae. They also consume other terrestrial invertebrates such as worms and snails, occasionally supplementing with small seeds.
Black-headed Lapwings are diurnal birds, actively foraging and moving during daylight hours, often resting during the heat of midday. They forage by walking deliberately across open ground, stopping frequently to scan, then rapidly pecking at surface invertebrates. During the breeding season, pai...
The Black-headed Lapwing boasts a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, spanning from Senegal in the west, eastwards through the Sahel belt to Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Its range extends south into northern parts of Uganda and Kenya. This species is generally resident throughout its ex...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Lapwing is one of the smaller lapwing species, typically weighing only about 100-150 grams. - Despite its name, it lacks a true crest, differentiating it from some other crested Vanellus species. - Its eggs are remarkably camouflaged, often mimicking the pebbles and debris of i...