Blacksmith lapwing

The blacksmith lapwing, also known as the blacksmith plover, is a captivating bird species native to various parts of Africa. Its name derives from its distinctive alarm call, which resembles the sound of a blacksmith's hammer striking an anvil. These birds are easy to identify due to their striking black, grey, and white plumage, which also serves as a warning to potential predators. They share some common features with other lapwing species, such as red eyes and bold pied coloring.

You’ll typically find blacksmith lapwings in wetland areas, including small damp patches and grassy regions. They are particularly noted for their fierce behavior when it comes to protecting their young, even using a wing spur to dive at threats. Interestingly, their range has expanded over time, partly due to human activities like dam construction and intensive farming, leading to new populations in regions such as South Africa, where they were not previously found.

During the breeding season, these lapwings become quite territorial, often chasing away other birds that enter their space. They build shallow nests close to water and have a diet that includes both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. While they are partly migratory, they do not undertake large-scale migrations. Young blacksmith lapwings gradually become independent from their parents and typically do not return to their birthplace.