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Spur-winged Lapwing
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Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)

The Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) is a striking and distinctive bird known for its bold markings and characteristic calls. Here are the key features and description of this species:

Size and Shape:

Length: Approximately 25-28 cm (10-11 inches).
Wingspan: Around 75-85 cm (30-34 inches).
Weight: Typically 120-170 grams.
Plumage:

Head and Neck: The head and neck are adorned with striking black and white patterns. It has a black crown, nape, and face, contrasted with white on the forehead, sides of the head, and throat.
Upperparts: The back and wings are generally brown or grayish-brown.
Underparts: The chest and belly are white, with a black band running across the chest.
Wings: The wings are broad and rounded, with a distinctive spur (a small, sharp projection) at the bend of the wing, which gives the bird its name.
Legs and Feet:

The legs are relatively long and slender, typically black or dark gray.
They have three forward-pointing toes and a small hind toe.
Bill:

The bill is short, black, and slightly upturned.
Eyes:

The eyes are dark, often appearing almost black, adding to the bird's striking facial markings.
Voice:

The Spur-winged Lapwing is known for its loud and distinctive calls, which are often heard before the bird is seen. The calls are typically sharp and metallic, sounding like "krr-krr-krr."
Habitat
The Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) typically inhabits a variety of wetland environments. Here are some details about its habitat: Wetlands: These birds are commonly found in wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. They prefer areas with shallow water and muddy or sandy shores. Agricultural Fields: Spur-winged Lapwings often utilize flooded agricultural fields, particularly rice paddies, for foraging. Coastal Areas: They can be seen in coastal regions, especially in tidal flats and estuaries. Grasslands and Savannas: In addition to wetland areas, they are also found in dry, open habitats such as grasslands and savannas, especially during the breeding season. Human-made Environments: These adaptable birds can sometimes be found in human-made environments such as irrigation canals and reservoirs.
Location
Dubai UAE
Date taken
12-01-24
Scientific name
Vanellus spinosus
Equipment used
R5 Canon RF150-500MM USM
Shutter speed, aperture & ISO
SS 1/1600 Ap F10 Iso 640

Media information

Category
Middle-East
Added by
Desertwildlifeme
Date added
View count
228
Comment count
10

Image metadata

Device
Canon Canon EOS R5
Aperture
ƒ/10
Focal length
700.0 mm
Exposure time
1/1600 second(s)
ISO
640
Filename
_SC30914-Edit.jpg
File size
1.2 MB
Date taken
Wed, 01 February 2023 11:07 AM
Dimensions
2025px x 1975px

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