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

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Crowned Lapwing (or Crowned Plover)
Page 18

Vanellus coronatus

Length: 30 cm ( 12 inches)

Habitat: Crowned lapwings are typically found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, with or without shrubs. Areas where the grass has been recently burned are ideal.

Crowned plovers have been found nesting up to 3 000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. Unlike the wattled plover, this species is not tied to water. It is found in dry habitats with a few trees and some grass cover.

Food: Crowned lapwings eat crickets, grasshoppers, termites, ants and other insects which they catch as they walk along.

Social System/ Behavior: Crowned lapwings breed from July through December wherever they find suitable habitat. They will move to drier areas during the rains.

This species will often nest in loose groups. The distance between nests is often less than 50 meters (50 yards). It not uncommon for parties of up to 10 birds to be seen flying over the nesting area at dusk. They put on a long, noisy display as they fight over nesting territories.

Crowned plovers avoid prolonged droughts and tall, wet grasses. They will migrate from place to place looking for the mix of conditions they prefer. The species nests in loose colonies on the ground. Two to four eggs are laid in a scrape which the birds make. The young are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.

Like the wattled plover, crowned plovers will also try to protect their nests against being crushed by ungulates.

These are very alert birds and they often spot predators before other animals do. As a result, they often warn other species of approaching danger with their loud calls. The other species have learned to pay attention to these warnings.

Predators: As with wattled plovers, jackals, servals, caracals, snakes, monitor lizards and birds of prey all feed on this species.

Many of its eggs are also broken and crushed by hoofed animals.

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