The blacksmith lapwing or blacksmith plover is a lapwing species that occurs commonly from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa. The vernacular name derives from the repeated metallic 'tink, tink, tink' alarm call, which suggests a blacksmith's hammer striking an anvil.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Common from Kenya and northern Tanzania south through Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa (also Lesotho and Eswatini). It frequents freshwater and brackish wetlands, riverbanks, lake shores, pans, and seasonally flooded grasslands. It readily uses artificial habitats such as reservoirs, farm dams, irrigated fields, and urban lawns near water. Prefers open ground with short vegetation and avoids dense reedbeds or steep vegetated shores.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for its metallic 'tink, tink, tink' call that recalls a blacksmith at work, this lapwing is bold and conspicuous around water. It benefits from human-made wetlands like farm dams, sewage works, and golf-course ponds, and will aggressively mob much larger intruders near its nest. Outside the breeding season it often gathers in loose flocks on open shorelines and short grass.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs during the breeding season, nesting on the ground in a simple scrape close to water. Clutches typically contain 2–3 eggs, and both parents defend the territory vigorously, dive-bombing intruders. Outside breeding, forms loose flocks on open shorelines and grazed fields.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A loud, repeated metallic 'tink, tink, tink' call, especially when alarmed or in flight. Also gives sharp scolding notes during territorial disputes.
