Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
GrasslandScrapeLarge · 387 g
ID tip
The masked lapwing is the largest representative of the family Charadriidae. It measures from 30 to 37 cm (12 to 15 in) in length and has a wingspan of 75–85 cm (30–33 in), and has a conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of each wing. The nominate subspecies (V. m. miles) weighs 191–300 g (6.7–10.6 oz), while the southern race (V. m. novaehollandiae) is larger and weighs 296–412 g (10.4–14.5 oz). The subspecies from northern Australia and New Guinea (V. m. miles) has an all-white neck and large yellow wattles, with the male having a distinctive mask and larger wattles.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Masked Lapwing
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Masked Lapwing
The map shades 10 countries with regular records, and 5 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Belgium, Spain, American Samoa, Italy.
About the Masked Lapwing
The masked lapwing is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls. It is common in Australian fields, open land and where there is lots of water, and is known for its defensive swooping behaviour during the nesting season.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Southern LapwingVanellus chilensisThis lapwing is the only crested wader in South America.
Red-wattled LapwingVanellus indicusRed-wattled lapwings are large waders, about 35 cm (14 in) long.
Blacksmith LapwingVanellus armatusBlacksmith lapwings are very boldly patterned in black, grey and white, possibly warning colours to predators.
Side by side: Masked Lapwing vs Northern Lapwing · Masked Lapwing vs Southern Lapwing · Masked Lapwing vs Red-wattled Lapwing · Blacksmith Lapwing vs Masked Lapwing
Learn the Masked Lapwing in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.