Blacksmith Lapwing
A species of Lapwings Scientific name : Vanellus armatus Genus : Lapwings
Blacksmith Lapwing, A species of Lapwings
Botanical name: Vanellus armatus
Genus: Lapwings
Content
Description General Info
Description
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. 
Size
31 cm
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
18 years
Feeding Habits
Blacksmith Lapwing predominantly eats invertebrates, both aquatic and land-based. It employs a mix of foraging and hunting methods and has no unique dietary adaptations.
Habitat
Blacksmith Lapwing typically inhabits wetland environments, which can range from expansive marshes to minor, transient damp areas like overflowing water troughs. They are widespread across mesic grasslands and adapt to varied water-centric habitats such as lagoons, lakes, rivers, dams, and waterholes. The blacksmith Lapwing has shown adaptability by expanding into man-made environments, including farmlands with irrigation and sewage farms, as well as estuarine mud flats where they are known to outcompete other shorebirds. While they can be found at elevations up to 1400 meters, they tend to avoid mountainous regions and exhibit partial migratory behavior, with no evidence of substantial, regular migrations.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Shorebirds Family
Plovers Genus
Lapwings Species
Blacksmith Lapwing 
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