White-crowned Lapwing
Vanellus albiceps
This striking lapwing is best identified by its long yellow wattles, white belly, and gray head split down the center by a broad white crown stripe. In flight, the distinctive wings are almost entirely white with black tips. It prefers breeding and foraging on large permanent rivers with extensive sand banks but will also wander to smaller streams and pans. It utters a loud “kriiip” call when alarmed or defending its territory. The similar Wattled Lapwing differs from White-headed Lapwing by having a dark belly and red-based wattles.
Identification
This lapwing is unmistakable. Its wings and tail are strikingly patterned in black and white, the back is brown and the underparts white. The head is particularly striking, being mainly grey, but with a white crown and foreneck. The eyering, facial wattles and legs are yellow. Females, males and young birds are similar in plumage.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vanellus albiceps
- Authority
- Gould, 1834
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Charadriidae
- Genus
- Vanellus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It is a wader which breeds on exposed sand or shingle near rivers. 2–3 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders, up to and including the hippopotamus.<p>Food is mainly insects and other small invertebrates. This species often feeds in small flocks when not breeding.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-bellied Erpornis
Erpornis zantholeuca
Small, crested, yuhina-like bird, frequently seen as a part of mixed flocks in a wide range of forested habitats. Upperparts yellowish green, underparts dingy gray except for yellow undertail coverts and whitish throat. Forages mostly in the upper layers of vegetation, from which its loud “nay nay” call is often heard.
Southern Crag-Martin
Ptyonoprogne fuligula
A hefty brownish member of the swallow family. Darker on the back and paler below. Note the slightly forked tail with white spots. Nests in canyons, escarpments, and gorges, as well as towns and villages; frequently in arid areas. Often seen in pairs or small groups; in winter congregates in larger flocks. Not very vocal, but sometimes gives a short, dry trill. At a distance, can be confused with “Riparia” martins; look for this species’ bright white tail patches. Separation from Red-throated Crag-Martin may be tricky, but there is little or no overlap in range.
Mountain Velvetbreast
Lafresnaya lafresnayi
This unique hummingbird is best recognized by its long decurved bill and mostly white tail (especially visible in flight). Males are mostly green with a black belly. Females are whitish or buffy below with dense green speckling. Found in high elevation forests and edges from Venezuela to Peru. Occurs from around 2,500m to 3,400m, occasionally wandering lower. Visits feeders, but often rather shy.
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