Black-winged Lapwing / Black-winged Plover

Afrikaans name: Grootswartvlerkkiewiet

Above - Black-winged Lapwing

Photo © Steven Herbert

Vanellus melanopterus

The Black-winged Lapwing used to be called the Black-winged Plover. This bird is normally seen in small groups in areas with short grass. These groups are territorial and defend their territories vocally and with aerial displays.

There are two distinct population groups of this species in Africa. One group is found in South Africa and the other in Kenya through to Ethiopia. There are no movements between the two regions although they do have some local minor migrations.

Termites make up the biggest portion of the Black-winged Lapwings diet but they also eat other insects such as ants and beetles. Earth worms are also eaten.

A pair will make their nest in short grassland, especially areas that have been burnt recently. They normally lay three eggs. Both parents share the incubation duties and take turns of 1 to 2 hours before swopping.

Above - A Black-winged Lapwing in its typical grassland habitat

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Wading Birds of the World - Revised edition - Author: Eric and Richard Soothill - Published: 1989 - Page: 160

Shorebirds - Author: P. Hayman, J. Marchant, T. Prater - Published: 1986 - Page: 266

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 102

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 150

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 164

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 230

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 170

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 228

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 167

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 174

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 120

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 120

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 124

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 30

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 92

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 56

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 111

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 85

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 142

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 142

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 115

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List of South African Birds