MASKED LAPWING
Vanellus miles
DESCRIPTION
The Masked Lapwing, also known as the Masked Plover, is a large, distinctive wading bird native to Australia and New Guinea. It is recognized by its striking black crown and yellow wattles that extend from its face.
FUN FACTS
- Masked Lapwings are known for their loud, distinctive calls | They can be quite aggressive when defending their nests | Their yellow wattles are used in courtship displays
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight0.5-1 kg
Average Length30-36 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in small groups during foraging
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- These birds inhabit open grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields. They prefer areas with short vegetation where they can easily spot predators.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Wetland
- Native Range
- The native range includes Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands.
- Continent
- Australia, Oceania
- Countries
- Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
- Diet
- Masked Lapwings primarily feed on insects, small invertebrates, and seeds. They forage on the ground, using their sharp eyesight to spot food items.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, seeds
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in small groups during foraging
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-10
- Territorial
- 1
VU
0.5-1 kg
Weight
30-36 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Black and white plumage with a distinctive yellow wattle
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, with no major declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 100,000+
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture. Predation by introduced species also poses a risk to their nests.
- Predators
- foxes, cats, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use aggressive displays and loud calls to deter predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon