Vanellus miles
Masked Lapwing (ssp miles) © 2010 Jon Coleman
Subspecies
V. m. miles (Northern Australia)
V. m. novaehollandiae (Southern Australia)
Other Names
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spur-winged Plover, Australian Spur-winged Plover, Masked Plover, Spurwing Plover, Wattled Plover, Alarmbird.
Identification
Large, solid bird with brown, black and white plumage. It distinctive call soon lets one know that they know you are around.
Plumage
Adult: The crown and nape of the head and the breast are black. The rest of the back is chestnut brown. The underparts are white. The Masked Lapwing has distinctive yellow wattles on the side of the face, a yellow bill and a yellow orbital ring. The legs are a dull red.
Juvenile: Similar to the adult though the head colour is greyer. The wattles are smaller and less intense in colour, the legs are greyish.
Distribution
Commonly found throughout the eastern half of Australia particularly in the south east: a vagrant to south of Western Australia. It inhabits open areas near to water, because of this it has benefited from man’s development such as playing fields, park land, improved pasture and even the central strip of dual-carriage roads. Seems to be expanding its range.
Masked Lapwing (ssp novaehollandiae) © 2010 Jon Coleman
Migratory habits
Resident. Tends to flock in non-breeding period. No movements over long-distances have been noted.
Breeding
The nest is a shallow scrape that is lined with twigs and grasses. 3-4 eggs are usually laid in winter and spring. There is a large loss of eggs and young because of predators and disturbance.
Status
Common. Estimated population 287,000
Confusing Species
Banded Lapwing: The Banded Lapwing is smaller. There is a black breast-bar and less noticeable wattle. The upperparts are a redder browner. In flight there is a white wing-bar.
