MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles) – (See images below)
The masked lapwing is a large type of plover a little more than a foot long. It is common both in Australia and New Zealand. This plover has a distinctive yellow wattle (a piece of flesh) around the beak. Its long legs mean they are efficient walkers on the ground in search of food (worms, insects). The masked lapwing can be found nesting in parks, gardens, shopping mall parkings or even flat rooftops. In other words, just as the Australian white ibis, it has well adapted to life with the human presence. The masked lapwing is very protective of its nest, and may even strike intruders with some kind of a ‘spur’ on its wing. Sexes are almost identical.
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| Masked lapwing, Sydney, Australia |
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| Masked lapwing, Sydney, Australia |
