The black-headed lapwing or black-headed plover is a large lapwing, a group of largish waders in the family Charadriidae. It is a resident breeder across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia, although it has seasonal movements. It lays two or three eggs on a ground scrape.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa (Sahel and adjacent savannas)
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa across the Sahel to East Africa, from Senegal and Gambia through Mali, Niger, and Chad to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Prefers open habitats near water such as floodplains, riverbanks, lake edges, and seasonally wet grasslands. Also uses short-grazed pasture, airfields, and recently burnt ground where bare soil aids foraging. Avoids dense vegetation and deep wetlands but frequents muddy margins and sandbars. Often shifts locally following rainfall and flooding patterns.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking lapwing has a glossy black head set off by a crisp white forehead and supercilium, plus long yellow legs that make it easy to spot on open ground. It often performs foot-trembling to flush hidden invertebrates and will vigorously defend its nest with distraction displays and alarm calls. Although largely resident, many populations shift locally with rains to exploit freshly flooded or recently burnt areas.
Vanellus tectus – MHNT
Temperament
alert and territorial during breeding
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small groups; larger loose flocks may form on feeding grounds or near water. Nests on the ground in a simple scrape, usually laying 2–3 eggs. Adults use distraction displays and loud calls to deter intruders and predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal, with sharp, metallic piping notes and repeated klee-wee calls, especially when alarmed. Calls carry over open country and intensify near nests or when flocks are flushed.
