A striking and elegant wading bird found along riverbanks and wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa. It gets its name from the crisp white patch on top of its head, which stands out sharply against its gray face and darker back. With long yellow legs, a slender body, and broad wings tipped with black and white, the white-crowned lapwing is a graceful and eye-catching presence near water. It’s especially common along large rivers like the Nile and the Zambezi, where sandy shores and mudflats provide the perfect habitat for feeding and nesting.
One of the most fascinating features of this bird is its bright yellow facial wattles—fleshy, ribbon-like flaps that hang beside its beak. These wattles are especially noticeable during the breeding season and may help in territorial displays or attracting mates. But don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance—this bird is incredibly protective when it comes to its nest. The white-crowned lapwing lays its eggs in a simple scrape on the ground, often in open areas where camouflage and vigilance are key. If a predator or human comes too close, the parent birds may dive-bomb, scream, or pretend to be injured to lure the threat away from the nest—a bold move for such a slender bird!
Unlike many waterbirds that nest in colonies, white-crowned lapwings are usually seen in small pairs or family groups. They are mainly insectivorous, feeding on beetles, flies, ants, and other small creatures they pick from the mud or sand along the water’s edge. Their long legs allow them to wade easily through shallow water, and their quick, darting movements help them snatch up prey with sharp precision. During the day, they are highly active and alert, often letting out loud, high-pitched calls to communicate or warn of danger.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
