Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Blacksmith Plover (or Blacksmith Lapwing)

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Blacksmith Plover (or Blacksmith Lapwing)
Page 17

Vanellus armatus

Length: 30 cm (12 inches)

Habitat: Blacksmith plovers are a waterside species. They can be found near fresh and alkaline lakes. They are also a common sight on short grasslands.

Food: Blacksmith plovers will fly a kilometer or two (1 to 1.5 miles) from their nest sites to feed. They are often found feeding with crowned lapwings. They feed on insects, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans which they catch by running, stopping and stabbing their bill into mud.

They will also take apart the droppings of large mammals looking for insect larvae.

Social System/Behavior: Nests are normally within a few meters (yards) of the water's edge. Blacksmith plovers defend a large territory around their nest site. The females lay two to six eggs. Both the male and female are very noisy and will mob intruders that enter their territory.

When they are not nesting, they gather in flocks, sometimes consisting of several dozen birds. At such times, they behave peacefully towards each other.

Predators: Small mammalian predators such as jackals, mongooses and servals are predators. Snakes and monitor lizards are a threat to eggs.

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