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The African wattled lapwing is a common, noisy plover of damp grassland, lake shores and river banks, easily recognised by the yellow wattles hanging from its face, its yellow legs and a white forehead. In Uganda it is widespread, from the Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo to Murchison Falls and roadside fields. Pairs are loud and bold, calling and dive-bombing anything that comes near their nest or chicks, which makes them an early warning system for other animals.
Wattled Lapwing Uganda: The Noisy Sentinel Bird Facts
Habits
Wattled lapwings feed on insects, worms and other small invertebrates, walking and stopping to peck at the ground. They nest in a simple scrape on open ground and defend it fiercely. Uganda has several other lapwings, including the long-toed lapwing in swamps, the spur-winged and the crowned lapwing, and the African wattled lapwing is among the easiest to see.
Where to see it
Look on short grass near water in Queen Elizabeth, along the Kazinga Channel, around Lake Mburo, and on the Nile banks in Murchison Falls. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Uganda’s wetlands, the black-winged stilt, Lake Mburo and Uganda birding.
Frequently asked questions
By the yellow wattles on its face, yellow legs and white forehead.
Near water in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls.
It loudly defends its nest and chicks from intruders.
Insects, worms and other small invertebrates.
