The White-headed Lapwing, White-headed Plover or White-crowned PloverVanellus albiceps is actually a lapwing rather than a plover. The name lapwing refers to the sound of their wings in flight. Distinctive feature is the yellow wattles A wattle is a fleshy growth hanging from various parts of the head or neck in several groups of birds, goats and other animals. It is an organ of sexual dimorphism serving as an ornament for courting potential mates. Not all lapwings have wattles. The White-headed Lapwing is native to tropical Africa, usually near large rivers (see range map).