File:Blacksmith plover standing in grass - DPLA - 22c81d463ae1a95e183a0cd7fbfd10d3.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Charadriiformes; Family: Charadriidae; Genus: Vanellus; Genus species: Vanellus armatus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 30 cm; Identification: The blacksmith plover has a white forehead, crown, back of neck, and upper tail coverts. Its upper wing coverts and scapulars are gray. The upper parts, including the chest and breast, are black. They have a black band at the tip of their tail, and a black spur on its wings. All other areas on this animal are white; Habitat: Short grasslands near water; Diet: Omnivore: insects, worms, snails, seeds, mollusks, crustaceans; Reproduction: A monogamous breeding pair works together to build their nest on the ground. The female will then lay 1-4 eggs. She and her mate will incubate the eggs for 23-31 days; Social Structure: Pairs or small parties of these birds are commonly observed; Behavior: The blacksmith plover is an assertive, conspicuous but wary creature; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The name 'blacksmith' comes from the clink, clink sound made when these birds are disturbed. They are often seen picking food scraps from the backs of reptiles or from crocodiles' mouths.