About Vanellus coronatus (Boddaert, 1783)
The crowned lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) is easily identifiable by its mix of brown and white plumage, most notably a black crown crossed by a ring-shaped white halo. Adult crowned lapwings are noisy and easy to spot. On average, males are 3% larger than females. Juveniles are duller versions of adults, with vermiculated patterns on their wings and mantle, yellowish legs instead of the adults' red legs, and a bill that lacks the adults' red base. Crowned lapwings prefer short, dry grassland that may be overgrazed or burnt, and avoid mountain areas. In regions with higher rainfall, such as parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe, they are mainly present as dry-season visitors. In dry regions of northern Botswana, large numbers of crowned lapwings are attracted when good rainfall occurs. Their highest concentrations in southern Africa are found in the dry central Kalahari region. Although blacksmith lapwings generally outnumber them, crowned lapwings are the most widespread and locally the most numerous lapwing species within their distribution range. Their population increased during the latter half of the 20th century, as they benefited from a variety of human activities. They can live up to 20 years. The crowned lapwing is one of the species covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). The diet of the crowned lapwing is made up of a variety of insects, with termites and ants forming an important part of their food. These insects are often collected from the dung of large mammals. They feed mainly by pecking at the surface rather than digging.
