What to know about the Black headed lapwing in Uganda?
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.
In Uganda, this Black headed plover is one African Uganda birding species seen during Uganda birding safaris
It makes a metallic tink-tink call
How does the Black headed lapwing in Uganda breed?
Black-headed lapwings practice sequential polyandry, with females competing for males and males taking on parental care duties.
How does the Black headed plover in Uganda feed?
They often forage in drier environments, such as golf courses and grassy scrub, collecting insects and other invertebrates from the ground.
Reproduction
The female bird lays two or three eggs on a ground scrape. Both parents incubate the eggs and finally hatching after 30 days.
