Spur Winged Lapwing

29 March 2013 15:56 Filed in: Charadriidae Waders Shorebirds Plovers & Lapwings Lapwings Kenya Amboseli Gambia

© GW - monacoeye, all rights reserved • Gambia, Feb 2013.

Bird name: Spur Winged Lapwing
Latin: Vanellus spinosus
Other: Spur-winged Plover, Vanneau à éperons (fr), Spornkiebitz (De)
Family: Charadriidae • Lapwings & Plovers
Range: E Mediterranean to Arabian Peninsular and sub-Saharan Africa
Similar:

The Spur-winged Lapwing has shoulder spurs, which it uses to charge down predators and intruders, but they are generally not visible.

In Gambia the Spur-winged Lapwing was one of the most typical birds near water, irrigated gardens etc. Seen in most locations with water.

Spur-winged Lapwing, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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Spur-winged Lapwing, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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Spur-winged Lapwing, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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Spur-winged Lapwing, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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Spur-winged Lapwing, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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Spur-winged Lapwing using diversionary tactics, Gambia, Feb 2013.
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