Spur-winged Lapwing

Adults have a striking black cap, crest, breast, and tail contrasting with a pure white face and sides of the neck. The upperparts are light brown or greyish-brown, and the belly is white. Sexes are similar in appearance, though males can be slightly larger.

Distinctive black cap and white cheek patch, grey-brown back, black breast and belly split by white neck sides, and long black legs.

Length: 28-35 cm, Wingspan: 70-82 cm, Weight: 120-230 g

A loud, metallic, repetitive alarm call sounding like 'tink-tink-tink' or a sharp rattle.

Insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Forages by walking steadily and picking prey from the ground or shallow water.

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

Mainly resident, though northern populations in the Middle East may undertake partial or short-distance migrations in winter.

Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with vegetation, often near water. Lays 2-4 eggs, with both parents aggressively defending the nest and chicks.

Black-headed Lapwing (Vanellus tectus), which has a more localized distribution in Africa and lacks the extensive black breast and distinct white cheek patch arrangement.

Helps control insect and invertebrate populations in wetland and agricultural ecosystems, serving as an indicator of wetland health.

Least Concern, with a stable or increasing population trend.

Look near bodies of fresh water, lakeshores, and damp fields. They are conspicuous and vocal, often flying up to scold intruders, making them easy to spot.

The 'spur' in its name refers to a hidden, sharp, bony spur on the carpal joint of each wing, which males sometimes use in territorial aerial combat.