Long-toed Lapwing

The long-toed lapwing, Vanellus crassirostris, also known as the long-toed plover, is a distinctive wading bird belonging to the lapwing subfamily. It is characterized by its long red legs, long toes, and a red bill with a black tip. The bird measures approximately 31 cm in length and weighs between 162–225 g. Its plumage is a mix of brown, black, and white, with no sexual dimorphism or seasonal variation. Juveniles can be identified by a browner breast and buff-tipped feathers.

Identification Tips

Adult long-toed lapwings have a striking black and white head pattern, with short wing spurs and rounded wings. In flight, they display extensive white in the wing feathers, and their legs and feet trail beyond the tail. Juveniles retain their primary feathers post-moult and have a browner breast compared to adults.

Habitat

This species is commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, pools, marshes, floodplains, and swamps. It is adept at foraging on floating vegetation and is often seen at the edges of pools during the dry season and in flooded fields and wet grasslands during the wet season.

Distribution

The long-toed lapwing is native to central and eastern Africa, with a range extending from Chad and South Sudan in the north to Mozambique and northeast South Africa in the southeast. It has also been recorded at elevations up to 1,300 m in Zambia.

Behaviour

The long-toed lapwing is primarily sedentary, remaining in areas with sufficient water. It is known for its aggressive behavior towards other species that share its habitat, such as the African Jacana. The lapwing's foraging technique is unique among lapwings, as it spreads its weight on floating vegetation to hunt for aquatic invertebrates.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the long-toed lapwing includes a metallic clicking "kick-k-k-k" and a high-pitched "wheet" when alarmed. During the breeding season, their calls become more frequent, especially when defending their territory.

Breeding

Long-toed lapwings are monogamous and territorial breeders. Both sexes share responsibilities such as incubation, territory defense, and chick rearing. Nests can be found on the ground near water or on floating vegetation, with 1–4 brown or olive-colored eggs laid per clutch. Chicks are precocial and fledge around two months after hatching.

Similar Species

The white-crowned lapwing is the only other lapwing with extensive white wing plumage. However, the long-toed lapwing can be distinguished by its black primary flight feathers and, in the case of the nominate subspecies, black secondary feathers as well.

Diet and Feeding

The long-toed lapwing forages for aquatic insects, larvae, beetles, ants, dragonfly nymphs, and snails on the surface of floating vegetation. It may forage alone or in groups, especially during the dry season, and has been observed following spur-winged geese to capitalize on disturbed prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the long-toed lapwing as Least Concern. While comprehensive population estimates are lacking, the southern African population is estimated to be between 25,000-50,000 individuals. Habitat encroachment by humans and livestock remains a threat to this species.