Crowned Lapwing

The Crowned Lapwing is one of the most widespread and familiar lapwings of open country in eastern and southern Africa, often seen standing conspicuously in short grassland.

Appearance

• Sandy-brown upperparts and breast
• White belly
• Black cap encircled by a neat white ring at its base, giving the "crowned" look
• Red eye-ring and a red-based, black-tipped bill
• Long, dull red-pink legs

Key field marks

• White ring around the black cap is diagnostic
• Plain brown back and breast, white belly
• Red eye-ring and red-based bill
• In flight shows a white wing-stripe, black flight feathers, and a black tail band

Similar species

Black-winged Lapwing and Senegal Lapwing lack the white ring around the crown. The Crowned Lapwing is the most widespread lapwing across much of southern and eastern Africa's dry, open habitats.

Range

Found across eastern and southern Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania south to South Africa.

Habitat

Prefers short, open grassland, dry savanna, farmland, and even mown areas such as airfields and sports fields.

Movement

Mostly resident, with local movements linked to rainfall and grass growth.

Behavior

Often encountered in pairs or small groups standing alert in open ground, frequently active at dusk and into the night.

Voice

Gives a loud, sharp, penetrating "kreeep" or "kree-kree-kree" call, often heard after dark.

Feeding

Forages on the ground using a run-stop-peck method to catch insects and other invertebrates.

Nesting and breeding

Nests in a shallow scrape on bare open ground, relying on cryptic egg coloration and aggressive mobbing of predators to protect the nest.