The masked lapwing, aka masked plover, spur-winged plover, or plover, hails from Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. These shorebirds face the threats of invasive species like cats, dogs, rats, and foxes; vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles); human disturbances; and habitat loss and destruction. However, they are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is also listed as increasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Vanellus miles
Weight: Up to 14.5 ounces
Length: Up to 15 inches
Wingspan: Up to 33 inches
Lifespan: Up to 20+ years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These birds were first described in 1781 by the French polymath Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux.
2.) They are the largest member of the family Charadriidae.
3.) There are a number of different calls made by these birds, such as courtship calls, the warning call, a loud defending call, calls to their young, and more.
4.) Seeing as they live mainly on the ground, they are constantly vigilant and, even though they rest, they never truly sleep.
5.) Being adaptable, they can be found in a variety of habitats, like the edges of wetlands and in other moist, open environments, arid regions, coastlines, and beaches.
But wait, there’s more on the masked lapwing!
6.) They are very bold when it comes to nesting locations. They build their nest right out in the open and are prepared to attempt to take on any sized threat, even large airplanes.
7.) When attacking predators or defending their nesting site, these birds will often utilize the yellow spur on the carpal joint of their wings.
Did you know…?
There are an estimated 667,000 wild individuals existing, to date.
8.) There is a wide-spread myth that their spurs can inject venom. This is not true.
9.) Females lay up to 5 eggs that hatch in up to 30 days.
10.) These birds are cathemeral (active both day and night).
Now a Short Masked Lapwing Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: JJ Harrison
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