Family
Charadriidae
Description
The largest member of the plover family 350-380mm with a prominant yellow wattle on its face. Wings brown, body and neck white with a black cap. Legs yellow. A short protruding spur on each wing.
Habits
Diurnal, A bird of the Grasslands and Wetlands and swamp margins. Common in altered areas such as paddocks and airfields. Agressive towards intruders when nesting.
Habitat
Wetlands Floodplain Grassland, and generally grassy areas. Also regularly seen on football ovals; beaches; parks and gardens. Inland waters and fringing forests; floodplains. Pairs or small parties are usually seen in grassy areas where the birds catch insects such as grasshoppers.
Notes
Also called the Spur-winged Plover- a different race in southern Australia. In recent years it has colonised New Zealand.
Breeding
November December January February March April June, 4; greenish-olive, Eggs are incubated for about 28 days by both sexes. Young leave the nest as soon as they hatch. Parents defend the nest and young agressively against dingos, goannas, humans and any other threat.
Parks
Kakadu National Park
Diet
Omnivore, Insects; small crustaceans; herbage. Grasshoppers and similar insects form the bulk of their diet.
Details
Common Name: |
Masked Lapwing |
Scientific Name: |
Vanellus miles |
Sub Order: |
Unavailable |
Order: |
Charadriiformes |
Class: |
Aves |
Category: |
Native |
Status: |
Least Concern |
Size: |
330-380 mm. |
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