How to identify the African Wattled Lapwing

To correctly identify the African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

31-35 cm

Wingspan

70-79 cm

Weight

200-400 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a black crown extending to the nape, bordered by a white supercilium and a white line below the eye. The back and wings are sandy brown, with a prominent white wingbar visible in flight. The underparts are white, with a black belly patch. The rump is white, and the tail is white with a broad black subterminal band. The most striking features are the bright yellow facial wattles, which are fleshy and pendulous, and a yellow bill with a black tip.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Medium-length, straight, yellow with a black tip.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Reddish-brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull yellow to orange-yellow.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The large, bright yellow facial wattles are the most distinctive feature. The black cap, white supercilium, and black belly patch are also key. In flight, the broad white wingbar and white rump with a black tail band are diagnostic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with less prominent wattles that are often yellowish-orange rather than bright yellow. The black cap is mottled with brown, and the upperparts have buffy fringes, giving a scaled appearance. The black belly patch is less defined or absent.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. The wattles may become more vibrant and prominent during the breeding season.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males may have slightly larger and more prominent wattles, especially during the breeding season.

Key field marks

• Facial Wattles. Look for the prominent, bright yellow, fleshy wattles on either side of the bill. This is the most definitive field mark.
• Head Pattern. Note the solid black cap, contrasting with a white supercilium and a white line below the eye.
• Belly Patch. Observe the distinct black patch on the lower belly, contrasting with the otherwise white underparts.
• Flight Pattern. In flight, look for the broad white wingbar across the secondary flight feathers and the white rump with a broad black subterminal band on the tail.
• Call. Listen for its loud, harsh, and often repeated 'kreek-kreek-kreek' call, which is quite distinctive.

Explore the African Wattled Lapwing