Introduction: Crowned lapwings (Vanellus coronatus) venture into mainly dry, open grassland often adapted by man such as pastures, airports, golf courses, sports fields and road sides. Occasionally they will congregate in flocks of up to 100 although smaller groups of up to 5 are more common.

Distribution: Common throughout Namibia less for drier south-western regions of the country. Present in all the major national parks such as Etosha National Park, Bwabwata, Mahango, Mamili, Mudumu and Chobe.

Diet: Eats mainly termites although will take ants, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders and millipedes.

Description: Coronatus is Latin for 'crowned' which refers to the black breast band which contrasts to the white lower breast and belly. Often confused with the black-winged lapwing which is darker brown above and lacks the distinctive breast band.

Breeding: A scrape in the ground is lined with with dried grass for the female to lay 2 or 3 eggs. Predators include the secretary bird, crowned hornbill and bateleur as well as snakes, herons, rats and vervet monkey. Trampling by livestock and fires also hamper the breeding success of this species.

Size: 30cm. Weight: 185g.

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