Black-winged Lapwing

The Black-winged Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus melanopterus, presents a striking figure with its contrasting plumage. The bird's grey head and neck are set apart from its white underside by a distinct black breast band. Its wing coverts are a rich brown, and a variable yet prominent white patch adorns the forehead, a feature it shares with its relative, the Senegal Lapwing. However, the Black-winged Lapwing is distinguished in flight by a conspicuous white wingbar, framed by black remiges.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black-winged Lapwing, look for the characteristic black breast band and the white patch on the forehead. In flight, the white wingbar is a key feature to distinguish it from similar species. The bird's leg color intensifies during the breeding season, which can also aid in identification.

Habitat

This species is a habitat specialist, favoring short grass in well-watered temperate grasslands. It is known to move locally in search of ideal conditions, often undertaking these movements nocturnally.

Distribution

The Black-winged Lapwing is an East African species, with its range extending from the Ethiopian highlands in the north to central Kenya, and then reappearing at middle to coastal elevations in eastern South Africa.

Behaviour

The Black-winged Lapwing is known to form tightly grouped flying flocks, bearing a resemblance to plovers. It may associate with the similar-sized Crowned Lapwing, sometimes even forming mixed flocks. The species is known to move to higher elevations during the breeding season and exhibits territorial behavior, with males engaging in mutual aggression and display flights.

Breeding

During the breeding season, males establish territories through calling and display flights, which may include exaggerated wing beats. Nesting typically occurs on the top of a slope in burnt grassland. The clutch usually consists of three dark-colored eggs, with incubation commencing once the clutch is complete. Both parents take turns incubating, with shifts lasting about 90 minutes. The nest is well-lined and insulated, with lining added periodically until the eggs are half-buried. The chicks hatch in just under a month and take about another month to become self-sufficient.

Diet and Feeding

The Black-winged Lapwing primarily feeds on termites found on the ground. Their diet also includes tenebrionid beetles and ants. In captivity, they show a preference for earthworms and mealworms. Feeding territories are defended by small groups of these birds, with territories typically being less than one hectare in size. When ample habitat is available, large non-territorial flocks may form.

Conservation status

The Black-winged Lapwing is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Human activities have both positive and negative impacts on this species. It is one of the species covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).