Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing , previously known as the Masked Plover and often called the Spur-winged Plover in its native range, is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls.

The Masked Lapwing is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Masked Lapwing is notorious for its defence of its nesting site, diving on intruders, or acting like it has a broken wing to lure the intruder away from the nest. Alternative Name/s Spur-winged Plover Identification Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. The Masked Lapwing is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. More

Masked Lapwing on road. Masked Lapwing on road. Photo: R Major © Australian Museum Masked Lapwing on sand. Masked Lapwing on sand. More

Masked Lapwings are most common around the edges of wetlands and in other moist, open environments, but are adaptable and can often be found in surprisingly arid areas. They can also be found on beaches and coastlines. Vanellus miles novaehollandiae spread naturally to Southland, New Zealand in the 1930s and has now spread throughout New Zealand, where it is known as the Spur-winged Plover. More

The Masked Lapwing is predominantly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The spur is yellow with a black tip. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. More

The Masked lapwing makes it nest on the ground, and it is comprised of a scrape in the ground lined with grass and debris. Movement: Although normally a sedate bird, the Masked lapwing becomes loud and aggressive before and after eggs are laid. In this period they will swoop and scream at intruders that come too close. Photo: H Iedema Other Common Names: Masked plover, spur-winged plover. More

* The Masked Lapwing of Northern Australia (Vanellus miles miles) has an all-white neck and large yellow wattles (loose folds of skin) with the male having a distinctive mask and larger wattles. * The Spur-winged Plover of the southern and eastern states (Vanellus miles novaehollandiae) and often locally called the Spur-winged Plover, has a black neck-stripe and smaller wattles. More

the wild the masked lapwing is a fairly sedentary bird, unlike the fairly nomadic banded lapwing. * Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $80 * Description Of Adults: 1. Length: Approx. 330 - 380 mm (or approx 13 - 15 inches) 2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available. 3. Weight: Approx. More

Masked Lapwing Size: 35-40cm Habitat: Is widespread across Australia found in open grasslands, swampland, city parks and sports ovals. Wanders open areas in search of insects, worms, and other small creatures. Notes: Head is black with noticeable "yellow mask" around eyes, neck is white with black band around shoulders. Back and wings grey, underbody white; dark red legs. Breeds Summer-Autumn. For more information on Masked Lapwing see references. Page | 1 | 2 | lapwing. More

a masked lapwing you say, does look kind of furtive ! I would never have thought it was a lapwing- if I'd been asked, because it doesnt look much like ours I guess ! reading on my yahoo news ( I prefer to read my news rather than watch it- and at the moment its still free ! ) Its been so hot in parts of Australia - like 34 C at midnight, oh boy ! Much of the snow has melted in my garden - YEAH !!! Its just More

detering a Masked Lapwing in your area Advice & Relocation References and suggested further readingContents of this pageClick here for a list of Contacts * Home * Snake Catcher Directory * Snake Id & Info * Lizards * Brush Turkeys * Swooping Birds * Possums * Injured wildlife More

Masked Lapwing defending its nest in a suburban park. Masked Lapwing defending its nest in a suburban park. Masked Lapwings are a shy and harmless bird in summer and autumn but are best known for their bold nesting habits, being quite prepared to make a nest on almost any stretch of open ground, including suburban parks and gardens, school ovals, and even supermarket carparks. More

Masked Lapwings are large (33 to 38 cm), ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. They are unmistakable in both appearance and voice, which is a loud "kekekekekekekek". Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. The wing spur and facial wattles are either absent or smaller in size. Distribution and Habitat - The Masked Lapwing is common in our district. It inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches and grasslands. More