Masked Lapwing
ExploreBirds
Masked Lapwing
Vanellus miles
The Masked Lapwing is a fun bird with a black crown and bright yellow wattles on its face. It loves to run around in open areas and can be found near water, making it a lively sight to see!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Masked Lapwing has a striking black head and nape, a white body, and a brown back. Its most distinctive features are the bright yellow wattles on its face, forming a 'mask', and a prominent sharp yellow spur on each wing.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyCharadriidaeGenusVanellus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Lapwing chicks can run and find their own food just hours after hatching!
Their 'mask' is actually soft, bright yellow skin called wattles!
These birds are often heard before they are seen, thanks to their loud calls.
They build their nests on the ground, often in surprising open places!
Special abilities
Ability
Winged Warrior
Masked Lapwings have a sharp yellow spur on each wing that helps them defend their nests and young from predators.
Ability
Master of Deception
Masked Lapwings can perform a 'broken-wing display' to distract predators away from their hidden ground nests.
Ability
Super Sensors
Masked Lapwings have large eyes and excellent hearing that help them spot tiny insects and worms on the ground.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-37 cm
- Wingspan
- 75-85 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-0.45 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-4
- Incubation
- 28-32 days
Diet & Feeding
Masked Lapwings mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates found in the soil.
Primary Foods
- beetles
- grasshoppers
- crickets
- worms
- larvae
- spiders
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
Cats often prey on eggs and chicks.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes are a major predator of eggs and chicks.
eaten by
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
Ravens may steal eggs or young chicks.
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
A primary food source, often pulled from soil.
eats
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis
Lapwings actively hunt various grasshopper species.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Masked Plover
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a Masked Lapwing, watch from a distance so you don't scare it or its babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Masked Lapwing?
30-37 cm
What is Masked Lapwing's wingspan?
75-85 cm
How much does Masked Lapwing weigh?
0.3-0.45 kg
How long does Masked Lapwing live?
5-10 years
How fast can Masked Lapwing move?
50 km/h
What does Masked Lapwing eat?
Masked Lapwings mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates found in the soil.
Where is Masked Lapwing usually found?
Grasslands
How does Masked Lapwing hunt?
Foraging
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