African wattled lapwing

Introduction: African wattled lapwings (Vanellus senegallus) inhabit waterlogged grasslands, at the edge of marshes and floodplains as well as streams and open areas around pans and lakes. Large flocks form with other species of lapwing, although they are usually observed singly or in pairs.
Distribution: Etosha National Park, Rundu extending east along the Caprivi to Victoria Falls.

Diet: Eats mainly insects including termites, locusts and grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars, worms and some grass seeds.

Description: Large plovers with rounded wings and contrasting black and white rumps, white wing bars and fleshy wattles, hence the name.

Breeding: Nests are a shallow depression in the ground lined with roots, pebbles and dry dung. Usually 2 to 5 eggs are laid between July and December. African wattled lapwings will remain as a family until the following breeding season.

Size: 35g.

Weight: 250g.