Vanellus coronatus
The Crowned Lapwing, *Vanellus coronatus*, is a striking and charismatic shorebird belonging to the family Charadriidae, renowned for its distinctive head markings. Measuring approximately 30-31 cm in length and weighing between 150-220 grams, it is characterized by a prominent black crown encircled by a crisp white band, which is then bordered by a second, broader black band that extends onto the nape. Its upperparts are a sandy-brown, offering camouflage against dry grasslands, while the un...
This species primarily inhabits open, dry grasslands, savannas, cultivated fields, and short-grass areas, often found near water but not exclusively. It typically occurs at low to moderate elevations across its African range.
The diet of the Crowned Lapwing consists primarily of insects, including beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers, along with their larvae. They forage by gleaning and shallow probing in open, short-grass areas.
Crowned Lapwings are predominantly diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day and roosting in open areas or near sparse cover at night. Their foraging strategy involves short, rapid runs followed by sudden stops, gleaning insects from the ground or probing shallowly with their bills. They are ...
The Crowned Lapwing is a widespread and largely resident species across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its extensive breeding and year-round range spans from the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia and Somalia, westward through parts of Central Africa to Angola, and then southward across Namibia, Bot...
Least Concern
- The Crowned Lapwing's striking crown pattern, a black cap ringed by white and then black, makes it one of the most easily identifiable lapwings in Africa. - During nesting season, adults are renowned for their "broken-wing" display, feigning injury to lure predators away from their eggs or chic...