The Blacksmith plover (Vanellus armatus) is a wader species of least concern found in Southern Africa. It is named for its ‘tink, tink, tink’ call, which is likened to a blacksmith’s hammer striking metal.
This is one of the more popular wader species in aviculture thanks to its bold black, white and grey markings. Adults are hardy, long-lived and adaptable. They thrive in large and open enclosures, with access to a shallow area of water.
Breeding is similar to other species within the genus, with a simple scrape or depression in the ground with a rough lining of dry grass and plant debris. 2 to 4 well camouflaged eggs are laid and incubated, with both birds participating in the rearing of the young. This species can be kept amongst other birds, however, once breeding, the pair often becomes territorial towards other ground-dwelling birds.
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