The African wattled lapwing, also known as the Senegal wattled plover or simply wattled lapwing, is a large lapwing, a group of largish waders in the family Charadriidae. It is a resident breeder in most of sub-Saharan Africa outside the rainforests, although it has seasonal movements.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely across savannas, open grasslands, floodplains, and the margins of wetlands throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding dense rainforest interiors. It favors short, grazed turf and damp ground near water, including seasonally inundated areas. The species adapts well to agricultural landscapes and urban greenspaces. Outside the breeding season it can gather in loose flocks in open country.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking lapwing is easily recognized by its bright yellow facial wattles and long yellow legs. It is noisy and vigilant, often giving loud alarm calls and performing distraction displays to protect its nest. Pairs nest on the ground in open grass, typically laying well-camouflaged speckled eggs. It readily uses human-modified habitats such as airstrips, golf courses, and irrigated fields.
Temperament
alert, vocal, and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and abrupt, agile maneuvers
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs or loose colonies, nesting in a shallow scrape on the ground with 2–3 eggs. Adults perform distraction displays to lure predators away from the nest. Outside the breeding season, it forms small to medium-sized flocks, often associating with other waders on open grassland.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, metallic, and piercing, often rendered as repeated kree or pee-wee notes. It vocalizes frequently at dawn, dusk, and when disturbed, making it conspicuous in open habitats.
