The black-winged lapwing or greater black-winged lapwing is an east African species that is found from the Ethiopian highlands in the north to central Kenya, and again at middle to coastal elevations in eastern South Africa. It is a habitat specialist of short grass in well-watered temperate grasslands. They may move about locally to find ideal situations, often at night. In their tightly grouped flying flocks they resemble plovers.
Region
East and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Ethiopian Highlands south through central Kenya, and again from mid-elevation to coastal zones in eastern South Africa. Prefers short, closely cropped or grazed grasslands, including pastures, airstrips, and recently burnt veld. Often near damp or well-watered areas but avoids tall grass and dense woodland. Outside the breeding season it may gather in flocks and shift locally following rainfall and insect emergences.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-winged lapwing forms tight, fast-flying flocks that can resemble plovers in the air. It is specialized for short, well-watered grasslands and often shifts locally—sometimes at night—to track ideal conditions after rains. Ground-nesting in shallow scrapes, it relies on cryptic eggs and vigilant distraction displays to deter predators.
Black-winged lapwing with earthworm in Midmar Nature Reserve
Temperament
alert and wary; territorial when breeding
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during breeding, nesting in shallow ground scrapes with minimal lining. Clutches are usually 2–3 eggs; both sexes incubate and guard the precocial young. Outside the breeding season, forms small to medium flocks that forage and roost together.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal, giving sharp, ringing 'kree-kree' and 'kwiik' notes, especially in alarm or display flights. Calls carry well over open grassland and may be heard at night during local movements.
