22-12-2023 FARASUTU FOREST, GAMBIA - BLACK HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus tectus)

The black-headed lapwing or black-headed plover (Vanellus tectus) is a large lapwing, a group of largish waders in the family Charadriidae. It is a resident breeder across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia, although it has seasonal movements. It lays two or three eggs on a ground scrape.

These are conspicuous and unmistakable birds. They are medium-large waders with a black head other than a white forehead, lower face and bands across the rear head and nape. There is a wispy black crest like northern lapwing and the bill and legs are red. The tail is white, tipped black.

In flight, the black-headed lapwing's upperwings have black flight feathers and brown coverts separated by a white bar. The underwings are white with black flight feathers.

This species is a common breeder in wet lowland habitats close to water. It often feeds in drier habitats, such as golf courses and grassy scrub, picking insects and other invertebrates from the ground.

The black-headed lapwing has a metallic tink-tink call.

The black headed lapwing, also known as the black-headed plover (Vanellus tectus), is a large wading bird belonging to the Charadriidae family. It is a resident breeder found across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, although it migrates seasonally. The bird lays two or three eggs on a ground scrape.

These birds are quite noticeable and easily recognizable. They are medium to large waders with a black head, except for a white forehead, lower face, and bands across the back of the head and nape. They have a wispy black crest similar to the northern lapwing, and their bill and legs are red. The tail is white, with black tips.

In flight, the upper-wings of the black-headed lapwing have black flight feathers and brown coverts separated by a white bar. The underwings are white with black flight feathers.

This species commonly breeds in wet lowland habitats near water, while foraging for insects and other invertebrates in drier areas such as golf courses and grassy scrub.

Black-headed lapwings practice sequential polyandry, with females competing for males and males taking on parental care duties.

They often forage in drier environments, such as golf courses and grassy scrub, collecting insects and other invertebrates from the ground.

The female bird lays two or three eggs on a ground scrape. Both parents incubate the eggs and finally hatching after 30 days.