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A photo of a Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)
Blacksmith Lapwing

Blacksmith Lapwing

Vanellus armatus

The blacksmith lapwing or blacksmith plover (Vanellus armatus) is a lapwing species that occurs commonly from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa. The vernacular name derives from the repeated metallic 'tink, tink, tink' alarm call, which suggests a blacksmith's hammer striking an anvil. Blacksmith lapwings are very boldly patterned in black, grey and white, possibly warning colours to predators. It is one of five lapwing species (two African, one Asian and two Neotropical) that share the characteristics of red eyes and a bold pied plumage, with a carpal (wing) spur adorning the wrist joint; a sharp black protrusion which they use to aggressively defend their young from potential threats, through persistent aerial dives typically targeting the head. The portions of the bird's body bare to plumage average a black coloration for the bill, and either a black or white-grey dappling on the legs. Females average larger and heavier but the sexes are generally alike.
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Blacksmith Lapwings on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a Blacksmith Lapwing photographed in  South Africa
🦉
Louis Steenkamp
Thursday 21 Sep 2023 - 3:57pm
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦆
Jess Muller
Thursday 21 Sep 2023 - 3:24pm
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Rocco Du Toit
Rocco Du Toit
Thursday 21 Sep 2023 - 10:45am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦆
Simon Greaves
Thursday 21 Sep 2023 - 9:01am
South Africa
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