The Crowned Plover (Vanellus coronatus), which is also called the Crowned Lapwing, is from the Red Sea coast of Somalia to southern and southwestern Africa. Coronatus means crown.

It is related to the Black-winged Plover (or Black-winged Lapwing).

The Crowned Plover is a wetland wading bird, with brown and white coloured feathers, and a black crown intersected by an annular white halo. It has a pink beak and pink legs.

Crowned Plover (or Crowned Lapwing)

Crowned Plovers are widespread and their numbers have increased because they benefit from a range of human activities. They live up to 20 years.

Male and female Crowned Plovers mate for life. The female lays eggs before the rainy season. The male assists with hatching the eggs only on hot days, when he either incubates or shades the nest.

Their diet consists of insects and termites.

Crowned Plover

Crowned Plover

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM