Vanellus miles

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Family

Charadriidae

Genus

Vanellus

Species

miles

Common Names

Masked Lapwing, Masked Plover, Spurwinged Plover

Distinguishing Features

This species is extremely distinct looking, with long red legs and yellow lobes of skin called 'wattles' on the side of the neck. Their eye and long bill is also yellow, as is a prominent sharp spur at the front part of each wing. They have a black crowne that runs down the side of their neck. Their throat, breast , underparts and rump are white. Their backs and wings are grey-brown while standing, however in flight their black flight feathers and black tail tips are noticable. Young birds have much smaller 'wattles' and grey legs.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Loud, penetrating and ongoing 'kekekekekekek'.

Similar Species

The bright yellow features of the Masked Lapwing make it extremely unique looking. The Banded Lapwing (Vanellus tricolor) is smaller, with a disticnt red spot between the eyes and no wattles.

Distribution

This species is found across most of Australia, except for WA where it is found uncommonly in some areas. They are also found in Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Within the ACT region, they are found in highest numbers around the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Numbers appear to have risen slightly in Canberra over the past 25 years (COG). However, in regional parts of NSW they have been recognised as a significantly declining species in response to water being pumped out of the natural waterways for irrigation.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Most birds were seen around the NMA, with a few sightings in ANU and Civic West.

Associated vegetation community

This birds prefers areas of open, short grass near water bodies like swamps of lakes, in both natural or human-modified environments.

Limiting Resources

Water is the biggest factor for the Masked Lapwing, needing a moist environment. Short green grass is their preferred feeding ground and they appeared to have benifited from land clearing and watered playingfields.

Breeding

The breeding season takes place from July to December. The nest is simply a small scraped hollow on bare ground, lined with a little grass. The 3-4 eggs are large and heavily spotted with brown, yellow and black. Both parents share the responsibilities of nest preparation, the 4-week incubation period and tending to the young birds.

Behaviour

Birds spend the day feeding on short grass in pairs or small groups. They are often heard calling as they fly overhead at night. They are usually fairly content around humans and other birds, except for during the breeding season, when they become very aggressive around their nests, swooping and chasing.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

The Masked Lapwing eats insects, insect larvae and earthworms, pecking for food just below the ground surface.

Predators

The aggressive nature of the Masked Lapwing while protecting their exposed nest helps to minimise attacks by possible predators such as Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae ), European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus).

Interesting Fact

The very simple nest of the Masked Lapwing is sometimes placed in very inappropriate locations in the urban areas, such as school playgrounds or sporting fields. The parents will get very defensive, trying to distract possible intruders with displays.