locally the most numerous lapwing species in their area of distribution. Their numbers have increased in the latter part of the 20th century after benefiting from a range of human activities. They live up to 20 years. The crowned lapwing is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Behaviour Crowned lapwings and the more localized black-winged lapwings sometimes associate and do not show mutual aggression, even within breeding territories. Different crowned lapwing males do however posture aggressively when nesting territories are established. The loser in an encounter assumes a special posture to signal his defeat. Bare-part colours of males brighten in the breeding season. Different types of display flights lure the female to the defended territory. A female accepting the male and territory will follow the male during his display flight. Mates may be retained for life. Egg-laying is timed to precede the rainy season and most incubating is done by the female. The male assists only on hot days, when he either incubates or shades the nest. Food Their diet consists of a variety of insects, but termites form an important component. References Hockey P.A.R., Douie C. 1995. Waders of southern Africa Maclean G.L. 1984. Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa. Fifth edition Marchant J., Prater T., Hayman P. 1986. Shorebirds: An identification guide Sinclair I., Ryan P. 2003. Birds of Africa south of the Sahara Ward D., Crowned Plover. In: The atlas of southern African birds. Vol. 1: Non-passerines External links Photos on tanzaniabirds.net Crowned lapwing - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds. crowned lapwing Birds of East Africa Birds of Southern Africa crowned lapwing crowned lapwing