Long toed lapwing

Introduction: Long-toed lapwings (Vanellus crassirostris) are large plovers with rounded wings found on or near floating vegetation in swamps, ox-bow lakes, floodplains and dams. Associated with water-lilies, water lettuce and other swamp-cut grasses, they are usually observed singly, in pairs or small groups of up to 5.
Distribution: Caprivi, Okavango Delta and Chobe River.

Diet: Use their long toes to walk on floating vegetation and mud for mostly aquatic insects such as dragonfly nymphs, beetles and ants, small snails and occasionally seeds.

Description: Crassirostris is Latin for 'thick-billed'. Often confused with the white-crowned lapwing which has mostly black upper wing coverts and a white (not black) breast.

Breeding: Nests are usually in swampy areas built on floating vegetation or a shallow scrape for a ground nest near water. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid at or following peak flooding periods.

Size: 31cm.

Weight: 190g.