The Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) is also known as the Crowned Plover. It is a common resident in South Africa and is easily identified by the white circle, or crown, surrounding the black cap. The adults have bright red legs and a red base to the bill. The eyes are usually pale yellow, but sometimes dark brown. They are often very noisy birds, calling "kie-weeeet" on the ground and a repeated "kree-kree-kreeip-kreeip" in flight - day and night. This beautiful specimen had its feathers ruffled to keep it warm just after sunrise on a very cold morning.

© 2011 All Rights Reserved

The Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) is also known as the Crowned Plover. It is a common resident in South Africa and is easily identified by the white circle, or crown, surrounding the black cap. The adults have bright red legs and a red base to the bill. The eyes are usually pale yellow, but sometimes dark brown. They are often very noisy birds, calling "kie-weeeet" on the ground and a repeated "kree-kree-kreeip-kreeip" in flight - day and night. This beautiful specimen had its feathers ruffled to keep it warm just after sunrise on a very cold morning.

© 2011 All Rights Reserved