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Spur-winged Lapwing
Vanellus spinosusA striking and bold wader with a distinctive black crest and sharp yellow wing spurs – a fearless defender of its territory.
The Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus), also known as the Spur-winged Plover, is a distinctive wader in the plover family Charadriidae. Named for the sharp yellow spurs on its wings, which it uses for defence, this bold and striking bird is a common sight in wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas across Africa and the Middle East.
Spur-winged Lapwing Quick Facts
What Is the Spur-winged Lapwing?
The Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) is a medium-sized wader belonging to the plover family Charadriidae. It was first described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The species name spinosus is from the Latin for "thorny" or "spiny", referring to the sharp yellow spurs on the wings.
This bird is also known as the Spur-winged Plover. It is a bold and conspicuous species, often seen in pairs or small groups, and is known for its loud, distinctive calls and aggressive defence of its nest and territory.
The Spur-winged Lapwing is found across a wide range from sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East. It is a resident in much of its range, though some populations may make local movements in response to rainfall and habitat conditions.
How to Identify a Spur-winged Lapwing
The Spur-winged Lapwing is a distinctive and easily recognisable wader. Here are its key identifying features:
- Size: A medium-sized wader, measuring 25-28 cm (10-11 in) in length with a wingspan of 70-80 cm (28-31 in).
- Head: Striking black crown and crest, with a white face and forehead.
- Breast: Black breast band separating the white face from the white underparts.
- Upperparts: Brownish-grey.
- Underparts: White.
- Wings: The wings have a distinctive yellow spur at the bend (carpal joint). The underside of the wings is black and white.
- Bill: Black.
- Legs: Long and black.
- Eyes: Dark.
- In flight: Shows black-and-white wings with a prominent yellow spur visible at the wing joint.
Distinguishing from Similar Species
The Spur-winged Lapwing can be confused with the Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus). The Black-winged Lapwing has a black cap (not a full black crown and crest), lacks the black breast band, and has more extensive black on the wings. The Spur-winged Lapwing is distinguished by its black crown and crest, black breast band, and the distinctive yellow wing spurs.
Behavior & Social Life
Spur-winged Lapwings are bold and conspicuous birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their aggressive defence of their territories.
Social Behaviour
- Pair bonding: Spur-winged Lapwings are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
- Territoriality: They are fiercely territorial, especially during the breeding season, and will aggressively defend their nest and territory against intruders.
- Aggressive displays: They use loud, persistent calls and aerial displays to warn off intruders. They will also dive-bomb predators and humans who come too close to their nests.
Vocalization
- Calls: The Spur-winged Lapwing has a loud, distinctive call, often described as a harsh "kree-kree-kree" or "kip-kip-kip".
- Alarm call: When disturbed, it produces a persistent, noisy alarm call that alerts other birds in the area.
Habitat & Distribution
The Spur-winged Lapwing is found in a variety of open habitats across Africa and the Middle East.
Key habitat types include:
- Wetlands – lake shores, riverbanks, marshes, and floodplains.
- Grasslands – both wet and dry grasslands.
- Agricultural areas – farmland, rice paddies, and pastures.
- Open savanna – and other open habitats with short vegetation.
Distribution: The Spur-winged Lapwing has an extremely large range, with an Extent of Occurrence of approximately 27,100,000 km². It is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegambia in the west to Ethiopia and Kenya in the east, and southwards to South Africa. It also occurs in the Middle East, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula.
The species is largely resident, though some populations may make local movements in response to rainfall and water availability.
Tanzania Distribution
In Tanzania, the Spur-winged Lapwing is found in wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas across the country. It has been recorded in Serengeti National Park (particularly in the lake and wetland areas), Ngorongoro Conservation Area (in the crater and surrounding grasslands), Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park.
Spur-winged Lapwing in Tanzania
The Spur-winged Lapwing is a bold and striking wader of Tanzania's wetlands and grasslands. Here are the best locations to see it:
Serengeti National Park
Found in the Serengeti's lake and wetland areas, particularly around Lake Ndutu, Lake Magadi, and in the open grasslands. Often seen in pairs or small groups.
Serengeti safariNgorongoro Crater
Recorded in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, especially in the open grasslands of the crater floor and around Lake Magadi. A common sight in the crater.
Ngorongoro safariTarangire National Park
Found in the open grasslands and along the Tarangire River. Often seen foraging on the ground or perching on termite mounds.
Tarangire safariRuaha National Park
A resident species in Ruaha's grasslands and wetland areas along the Great Ruaha River. Often seen in open areas and along watercourses.
Ruaha safariSafari Methods
- Game drives in open grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas.
- Birdwatching – look for the striking black crest, black breast band, and the distinctive yellow wing spurs.
- Wildlife photography – the Spur-winged Lapwing's bold behaviour and striking appearance make it an excellent photographic subject.
- Listen for calls – the loud, persistent alarm call often gives away its presence.
Best Time to See Them
Spur-winged Lapwings are resident year-round in suitable habitat. The dry season (June to October) is generally best for wildlife viewing as birds congregate around remaining water sources. The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy season (November to May).
Diet & Feeding
The Spur-winged Lapwing is primarily an insectivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates.
Food Sources
- Insects: Beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, and termites.
- Worms: Earthworms and other soil-dwelling worms.
- Small invertebrates: Spiders, snails, and other small creatures.
- Seeds: Occasionally takes seeds and small plant material.
Feeding Behavior
The Spur-winged Lapwing forages on the ground, walking slowly and pausing to probe the soil with its bill. It picks prey from the surface or digs for invertebrates in the soil. It is often seen foraging in pairs or small groups, using its sharp eyesight to locate prey.
Breeding & Life Cycle
The Spur-winged Lapwing is monogamous and breeds in pairs.
Nesting
- Breeding season: Typically occurs during the rainy season, from November to May in East Africa.
- Nest site: A shallow scrape on the ground, often on bare soil, short grass, or gravel.
- Nest construction: The nest is a simple scrape, sometimes lined with a few grass stems or small stones.
- Clutch: 3 to 4 eggs.
- Incubation: 22 to 26 days, shared by both parents.
Chicks
Chicks are precocial (born covered in down and able to move around soon after hatching). Both parents care for the chicks, feeding them and protecting them. Young fledge at 30 to 35 days old.
Conservation Status
The Spur-winged Lapwing is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population: The global population is estimated at between 100,000 and 500,000 individuals. The population trend is stable.
Justification: This species has an extremely large range (27,100,000 km²) and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable. The population size is large, and the population trend is stable, so the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable.
Threats: While the species is not currently threatened globally, it faces local threats including:
- Habitat loss: Drainage of wetlands and conversion of grasslands to agriculture.
- Human disturbance: Disturbance at nesting sites.
- Agricultural intensification: Use of pesticides and herbicides.
The Spur-winged Lapwing is listed on CITES Appendix II and is protected by various international agreements, including the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).
Comparisons
The Spur-winged Lapwing is sometimes confused with other lapwings. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | Spur-winged Lapwing | Black-winged Lapwing | Blacksmith Lapwing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 25-28 cm | 26-28 cm | 28-30 cm |
| Head | Black crown & crest | Black cap | Black cap & white cheeks |
| Breast Band | Black | None | Black |
| Wing Spurs | Yellow | None | None |
| Legs | Black | Black | Grey |
| Range | Africa & Middle East | Eastern & Southern Africa | Sub-Saharan Africa |
Did You Know?
Wing Spurs for Defence
The Spur-winged Lapwing has sharp yellow spurs on its wings, which it uses to defend itself and its territory against predators and intruders.
Fearless Defender
These birds are known for their aggressive defence of their nests, often dive-bombing humans and predators that come too close.
Loud Alarm Calls
The Spur-winged Lapwing has a persistent, noisy alarm call that alerts other birds to potential danger.
Striking Appearance
With its black crown, white face, and black breast band, the Spur-winged Lapwing is one of Africa's most striking waders.
Widespread Resident
With a range of over 27 million square kilometres, the Spur-winged Lapwing is found across much of Africa and the Middle East.
Adaptable Feeder
This lapwing feeds on a wide variety of insects and invertebrates, making it adaptable to different habitats.
There is a fierce determination in the Spur-winged Lapwing that commands respect. It stands boldly on the African savanna, its black crest raised, its yellow wing spurs glinting in the sun. It is a bird that will not back down – a fearless defender of its territory, its nest, and its mate. To watch a Spur-winged Lapwing chase off a predator many times its size is to witness the power of conviction, the strength that comes from having something worth protecting. It is a reminder that sometimes the smallest creatures have the biggest hearts.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) is a distinctive wader in the plover family Charadriidae. It is named for the sharp yellow spurs on its wings, which it uses for defence. It has a striking black crown and crest, a white face, and black-and-white plumage.
Spur-winged Lapwings are found in wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas across Tanzania. Key locations include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park.
The Spur-winged Lapwing feeds on insects, worms, small invertebrates, and occasionally seeds. It forages on the ground, probing the soil with its bill and picking prey from the surface.
No. The Spur-winged Lapwing is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It has a large range of approximately 27,100,000 km² and a stable population.
The Spur-winged Lapwing has a striking black crown and crest, a white face, a black breast band, and white underparts. The upperparts are brownish-grey. The wings have sharp yellow spurs at the bend. The bill is black, and the legs are long and black.
The Spur-winged Lapwing measures 25-28 cm (10-11 in) in length with a wingspan of 70-80 cm (28-31 in). It weighs between 120-180 grams (4.2-6.3 oz).
Spur-winged Lapwings are monogamous and breed in pairs. They nest in a shallow scrape on the ground, often on bare soil or short grass. The female lays 3-4 eggs which are incubated by both parents for about 22-26 days. Chicks are precocial and fledge after 30-35 days.
In Swahili, the Spur-winged Lapwing is known as Kiluwiluwi or Kipanga-mbuga.
References & Further Reading
- BirdLife International – Spur-winged Lapwing: IUCN Red List assessment, Least Concern status, range 27,100,000 km², population estimate.
- Wikipedia – Spur-winged lapwing: Description, distribution, habitat, diet, breeding, conservation.
- eBird – Spur-winged Lapwing: Identification, distribution, sightings.
- Avibase – Spur-winged Lapwing: Taxonomy, subspecies, distribution.
- Biodiversity Explorer – Spur-winged Plover: Biology, ecology, distribution.
- Oiseaux.net – Spur-winged Lapwing: Photo records from Tanzania.
- South African National Biodiversity Institute – Spur-winged Lapwing: Conservation status, threats, research.
