Birds I Love – The African Wattled Lapwing

Discovering the African Wattled Lapwing

Welcome, fellow nature enthusiasts, to another journey into the diverse avian wonders that grace our planet. Today, we'll embark on a fascinating exploration of the African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus), a captivating resident breeder that adds its distinctive charm to the wet lowlands of sub - Saharan Africa.

Description

Picture this: a large, brown wader with a regal black crown, a snowy white forehead, and eye - catching yellow facial wattles. The African Wattled Lapwing is a bird impossible to miss, especially with its white - tipped black tail and strikingly long, yellow legs.

In flight, its wings showcase a captivating pattern of black feathers, brown coverts, and a defining white bar.

Habitat and Distribution

These remarkable birds are not shy about making their presence known. They are commonly found in wet lowland habitats, thriving in damp grasslands and even making appearances on golf courses. But their reach extends beyond the wetlands; they can also be spotted in dry savannas, burnt grasslands, and cultivated fields.

The African Wattled Lapwing has claimed its territory across sub - Saharan Africa. In Southern Africa, it graces the landscapes of Zimbabwe, northern Botswana, Namibia, northeastern South Africa, Swaziland, and central and southern Mozambique.

Their preferred haunts include waterlogged grasslands, marshes, flood plains, and the edges of lakes and pans.

Movements and Migrations

While these Lapwings are residents during the breeding season, they become nomadic during the rainy season. Their ability to adapt to different environments showcases the versatility that makes them a staple across diverse landscapes.

Feeding Habits

The African Wattled Lapwing is no picky eater. It primarily dines on insects, displaying a methodical foraging technique

— slowly walking while scanning the ground for prey. Their diet includes invertebrates, various types of insects, Orthoptera (crickets, locusts, and grasshoppers), Coleoptera (beetles), caterpillars, termites, worms, and grass seeds.

Breeding Behavior

The Lapwing's breeding behavior is a spectacle worth observing. Monogamous and territorial, these birds engage in spirited displays and fights at the beginning of the breeding season. The male, defending its territory with vigor, creates several shallow depressions in the ground before the female selects one for nesting.

The nest, a cozy depression lined with grass stems, roots, pebbles, and dry dung, is strategically placed on bare ground in short or burnt grassland. The breeding season spans from July to December, with peak egg - laying occurring from September to October.

Both parents diligently incubate the 2 - 4 eggs for approximately 28 - 32 days, fiercely mobbing any predators that dare approach.

Challenges and Conservation

The African Wattled Lapwing, fortunately, faces no immediate threat. In fact, it may have benefited from human - modified habitats. However, as stewards of the natural world, it is essential for us to remain vigilant and ensure the continued coexistence of these remarkable birds with the changing landscape.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey into the world of the African Wattled Lapwing, we are left with a deep appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of these majestic birds.

Their presence enriches the diverse ecosystems they inhabit, offering us a glimpse into the intricate dance of nature. Until our next exploration, may you find inspiration in the winged wonders that share our planet.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

More Bird Stories

For more articles about birds you can click on the links below, there are so many great birds living amoungst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.

Southern Ground Hornbill: Click Here

Secretary Bird: Click Here

Crucial Role of Birds Within Ecosystems: Click Here

African Ground Eagle: Click Here

Vultures: Click Here

African Fish Eagle: Click Here

The Roller Family: Click Here

The Kingfisher Family: Click Here

The Bee-Eater Family: Click Here

The Turaco Family: Click Here

A Day In The Life of Birds: Click Here

The Bateleur Eagle: Click Here