Spur-winged Lapwing

Adults have a striking black crown, nape, breast, and tail contrasting sharply with white cheeks and underparts. The back and wings are a soft grey-brown. Sexes are similar in appearance, though males can be slightly larger.

Distinctive black cap, white cheek patch, black breast, grey-brown back, and long black legs. Look for the small, often hard-to-see wing spur during close observation.

Length: 29-32 cm, Wingspan: 69-80 cm, Weight: 120-230 g

A loud, metallic, repeating 'tink-tink-tink' or sharp alarm call often given in flight.

Insects and other small invertebrates, which it forages for by pecking while walking on the ground.

Wetlands, marshes, lake shores, river banks, floodplains, and damp agricultural lands.

Mostly resident, though northern populations in parts of the Middle East may undertake short-distance movements during winter.

Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape near water, often lined with plant material. Usually lays 2 to 4 eggs, with both parents fiercely defending the nesting territory.

Black-headed Lapwing (Vanellus tectus), which has a red bill base and lacks the extensive black breast and clear-cut white cheek patch of the Spur-winged Lapwing.

Acts as an important predator of aquatic and terrestrial insects, helping to control invertebrate populations in wetland ecosystems.

Least Concern, with a stable or increasing population trend.

Look for them near freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, and agricultural fields in the Middle East and Africa. Approach slowly, as they are quick to sound alarm calls when disturbed.

The bird derives its name from a sharp, inconspicuous horny spur located on the bend of each wing, which is occasionally used in territorial combat.