By Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (Spur-winged Lapwings (Vanellus spinosus)) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus

aks Spur-winged Plover

Status.

Category E

Native Range

Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Sub-Saharan Africa from Seneagal in the west, eastwards to Chad and from Egypt south to Tanzania. Turkey, Iraq and patchily through the Arabian peninsula.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

British Occurrence

NBN atlas has 12 records as at end 2024. Map Here.

One was present in Kent from 30th April 1997 to 10th January 1998 and was also seen in The Netherlands. The species' migration pattern, between SE Europe/Middle East and East Africa makes it unlikely to be found naturally in western Europe and this bird is generally accepted as an escape. It's long stay and early arrival date reinforce that belief.

Where to see Spur-winged Lapwing in captivity

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Sources

Vinicombe K. Birdwatch September 2001 pp 21-24