The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles), previously known as the Masked Plover and often called simply "the Plover" in its native range, is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms and has several distinctive calls.

Description In flight with wing spurs clearly visible

This species is the largest representative of the family Charadriidae, at 35 cm (14 in) and 370 g (13 oz). There are two distinct races which until recently were thought to be separate species. The Masked Lapwing of Northern Australia (Vanellus miles miles) has an all-white neck and large yellow wattles with the male having a distinctive mask and larger wattles. The Spur-winged Plover of the southern and eastern states (Vanellus miles novaehollandiae) has a black neck-stripe and smaller wattles. (Note that the northern hemisphere Spur-winged Plover is a different bird: see Spur-winged Plover.)

Vocal Calls

The birds have a wide range of vocal calls which can be heard at any time of the day or night, such as the warning call, a loud defending call, courtship calls, calls to its young, and others. Since this bird lives on the ground it is always alert and even though it rests it never sleeps properly.

Distribution and Habitat

Masked Lapwings are most common around the edges of wetlands and in other moist, open environments, but are adaptable and can often be found in surprisingly arid areas. They can also be found on beaches and coastlines. Vanellus miles novaehollandiae became self introduced to Southland, New Zealand in the 1930s and has now spread throughout New Zealand, where it is known as the Spur-winged Plover.

Breeding Masked Lapwing defending its nest in a suburban park.

Masked Lapwings are a shy and harmless bird in summer and autumn but are best known for their bold nesting habits, being quite prepared to make a nest on almost any stretch of open ground, including suburban parks and gardens, school ovals, and even supermarket carparks. Breeding season usually happens after Winter Solstice (June 21), but sometimes before and the nesting pair then defends its territory against all intruders by calling loudly, spreading their wings, and then swooping fast and low, and where necessary striking at the interloper with their feet and attacking other animals on the ground with a conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. There is a much-believed (but incorrect) myth that this spur can inject venom when used to strike an intruder. The myth may have been based on fear of the masked lapwing's territorial behavior. Attacks are most vicious on other birds such as Ravens, and also cats and dogs but once the chicks reach 60% in size after 2-3 months, the chances of this happening decrease. Strikes are much more rare on Humans since they are more aware. Sometimes the bird can damage its wing in a strike but usually survives and is flightless as the wing heals. Some Masked Lapwings, especially some that live in residential suburban areas never breed due to increased dangers such as people on footpaths, cars. Nearly always two birds are seen together, a male and a female which are almost identical. Many also can be seen in groups at times, especially during feeding on coastlines. The chick reaches full height after 4 to 5 months and will often stay with the parents for 1 to 2 years resulting in groups of 3 to 5 birds over the summer months.

Eggs in a nest

Gallery

Masked Lapwing in the wild in Queensland, Australia.

Young Masked Lapwing running.

Young birds crouch and lie still and are well camouflaged

Northern Australian race miles