The Blacksmith Plover (Vanellus armatus) is also called the Blacksmith Lapwing.

The Blacksmith Plover is black, white, and grey, with a white crown and belly. It has a black face, neck, and back. Its wings are brown and black. Its beak and legs are black, and its eyes are red.

Blacksmith Plover

It can grow to 30 centimetres (12 inches) tall.

The Blacksmith Plover is from southern Africa. It prefers to be close to freshwater, and likes to walk in mud, sand, gravel or short grass around the wetlands.

It lives on insects, worms, and small shellfish, such as crabs.

It is a noisy bird and seemingly hyperactive because it walks, runs, and flies in hurried movements.

Female Blacksmith Plovers lay 2-6 eggs in small hollows close to the water edge.

Blacksmith Plover

Blacksmith Plover

Blacksmith Plover (in flight) with a Heron

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM