Standing in the grass near Lake Magadi, Tanzania, a Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus) showcases its bold, plumage.
Southern Africa is home to at least eight species of lapwings. All are members of the genus Vanellus (Latin for “little fan”), a name inspired by the distinct flopping sound produced by their wings in flight.
Unlike many birds with sleek wings, lapwings possess (proportionally) large, “blunt-tipped” wings that noisily displace air with every beat. They often appear to float before lurching into sudden, aerial zig-zags—a maneuver that baffles aspiring predators and photographers alike.
The bird pictured above is a Blacksmith lapwing (Vanellus armatus), a striking, long-legged wader found throughout Southern and East Africa. Look for it in open grasslands near water.
I shot this one in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
Why is this bird called a “blacksmith”? Check our our post here to find out: “The Blacksmith Lapwing: The Small Bird That Takes On Elephants.”