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Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source ↗
Blacksmith Lapwing
Bontkiewiet · Vanellus armatus
This bold black, white and grey plover gets its name from its sharp 'tink-tink-tink' alarm call, which sounds just like a blacksmith tapping metal. It nests on the ground near water and bravely dive-bombs anything that comes too close, even big animals. Watch for it striding along muddy edges, hunting insects and worms.
Log your Blacksmith Lapwing sighting — free →How to identify it
Look for the bold black, white and grey pattern and listen for the metallic 'tink-tink' call.
Listen for its call
A loud metallic 'tink tink tink' like a hammer on an anvil, given in alarm.
Where to see it in Kruger
Common along the muddy edges of nearly every river, dam and waterhole in Kruger.
Did you know
Its ringing call sounds exactly like a blacksmith hitting an anvil with a hammer, which is how it got its name!
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