Family Plovers (Charadriidae)
Least Concern
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
Taxonomy
French: Vanneau à éperons German: Spornkiebitz Spanish: Avefría espinosa
Other common names:
Spur-winged Plover
Taxonomy:
Charadrius spinosus
Linnaeus
, 1758,Egypt
.Often placed in genus Hoplopterus. Closely related to V. duvaucelii, with which sometimes considered conspecific. African populations apparently marginally shorter-winged and shorter-legged than Mediterranean ones#R, but differences considered too trivial to warrant naming of geographical races. Monotypic.
Descriptive notes
25–28 cm; 127–177 g; wingspan 69–81 cm. Crown, forehead and throat black, cheeks and sides of neck white; slight crest not normally apparent; breast, upper... read more
Voice
Noisy alarm calls reminiscent of those of V. armatus, a sharp metallic “pitt”... read more
Habitat
Usually on dry ground, but rarely far from water. Inhabits great variety of habitats, including... read more
Food and feeding
Feeds mainly on insects and their larvae, especially beetles; also grasshoppers, flies, midges, termites, ants, spiders, myriapods;... read more
Breeding
In tropical Africa, laying dates usually locally restricted, but considerable geographical variation; Israel Mar–Sept; Turkey early... read more
Movements
In Africa resident, locally making erratic movements; in places moves into drier areas during rainy... read more
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Probably 25,000–100,000 birds in SE Europe, SW Asia and Egypt. No population estimate available for rest of Africa, but 1000... read more
also vagrant in Namibia
I have seen a single bird in Etosha National Park, Namibia. The bird mixed with a flock of Blacksmith Plover (Vanellus armatus)
Spur-winged Lapwing in Namibia
Dear Axel,
Your observation warrants either a wikicontribution here and/or a short note to a suitable journal. Please feel free to contact one of the editors if you need any further advice or assistance with this.