African Three-banded Plover vs Black-winged Lapwing

Charadrius tricollaris compared with Vanellus melanopterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Three-banded Plover Black-winged Lapwing
Scientific Name Charadrius tricollaris Vanellus melanopterus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae Charadriidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.8 cm (8.6 in) 41.2 cm (16.2 in)
Weight 35.0 g (1.23 oz) 186.0 g (6.56 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2 2-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Three-banded Plover only

Black-winged Lapwing only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Three-banded Plover

Least Concern

Black-winged Lapwing

About These Birds

African Three-banded Plover

African Three-banded Plover: 17–18 cm, small plover with two complete black breast-bands separated by white, red eye-ring, and red-based bill. Widespread resident across sub-Saharan Africa near freshwater margins, mudflats, and reservoir edges. Feeds on invertebrates by pecking. Year-round resident with local movements during dry season.

Black-winged Lapwing

Black-winged Lapwing: 23–26 cm, brown-backed lapwing with bold black primary flight feathers, a white forehead, and narrow breast-band. Two disjunct populations: highlands of Ethiopia and eastern Africa to KwaZulu-Natal. Inhabits high-altitude grassland and montane farmland. Insectivorous. Undertakes altitudinal migrations.

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