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Vanellus chilensis
This lapwing is the only crested wader in South America. It is 32 to 38 centimetres (13 to 15 in) in length and weighs approximately 250 to 425 grams (8.8 to 15.0 oz). The upperparts are mainly brownish grey, with a bronze glossing on the shoulders. The head is particularly striking; mainly grey with a black forehead and throat patch extending onto the black breast. A white border separates the black of the face from the grey of the head and crest. The rest of the underparts are white, and the eye ring, legs and most of the bill are pink. It is equipped with red bony extensions under the wings (spurs), used to intimidate foes and fight birds of prey. [Wikipedia]
It is a common and widespread resident throughout South America, except in densely forested regions (e.g. most of the Amazon), the higher parts of the Andes and the arid coast of a large part of western South America. This bird is particularly common in the basin of the River Plate. It has also been spreading through Central America in recent years.
I found these birds in Brazil in an urban area next to the Amazon river. [Portuguese] Eu encontrei esses pássaros no Brasil em uma área urbana próximo ao rio Amazonas. Quero-quero [Brazil]
Spotted on Mar 24, 2009
Submitted on Nov 23, 2012
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