Spurring predator advances
Named after the small spurs at the elbow of their wings. These defensive parents will chase off any potential egg thief.
Spur-winged lapwing
Vanellus spinosus
Status
Least Concern
Activity Period
Varies
Classification
Bird
Habitat
They are found in a variety of habitats, often on dry ground near bodies of water like marshes and mudflats, or in irrigated areas like farm fields.
Range
Spur-winged lapwings live in the sub-Saharan belt of Africa, as well as areas in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Life Expectancy
Spur-winged lapwings can live up to about 17 years, but longer under human care.
Diet
Spur-winged lapwings are ambush predators that stomp their feet to flush out their prey of insects, larvae, and other invertebrates. They also eat small fish, lizards, and mollusks.
Social Structure
Mated pairs typically remain together year round. While in the nesting season, pairs are territorial but will gather in flocks of over 100 individuals in the non-nesting season!
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