Vanellus duvaucelii (R.Lesson, 1826)

Scientific Classification and Size

The river lapwing, scientifically named Vanellus duvaucelii (R.Lesson, 1826), measures 29 to 32 centimeters in length.

Head and Neck Plumage

It has black feathers on its crest, crown, face, and central throat, with grey-white coloration on the sides of its neck and nape.

Torso Plumage

It features a grey-brown breast band, white underparts, and a black patch on its belly. Its back is brown, its rump is white, and its tail is black.

Flight Appearance

This species is particularly distinctive in flight: it has black primary flight feathers, white underwings and upper wing secondaries, and brown upper wing coverts.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult males and females have similar plumage, though males are slightly larger than females.

Juvenile Plumage

Juvenile river lapwings have brown tips on their black head feathers, a sandier shade of brown on the back, and pale fringes on their upperpart and wing covert feathers.

Vocalization

The call of the river lapwing is a sharp tip-tip or did-did-did.