Blacksmith Plover/Lapwing Vanellus armatus (Anitibyx armatus)

The Blacksmith Lapwing, native to southern Africa, also called the Blacksmith Plover, is named because of its chinking alarm call.

The "armatus" name relates to the bony "spurs" usually covered by plumage on its wings (cf. spur-winged plover) and used for territorial disputes and other fights.

The Blacksmith Lapwing/Plover is known for eating insects/parasites off large reptiles, including, it is said, cleaning food and leeches from the teeth/jaws of crocodiles (see also Egyptian Plover).

Juvenile above. Adults pair for life.