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Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. The Masked Lapwing is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The spur is yellow with a black tip. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. Northern birds are smaller, without the partial black collar, but have a much larger wattle, which covers most of the side of the face. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur. Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. The wing spur and facial wattles are either absent or smaller in size. The southern subspecies is also known as the Spur-winged Plover.
The Masked Lapwing inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches and grasslands. It is often seen in urban areas. Where this bird is used to human presence, it may tolerate close proximity; otherwise it is very wary of people, and seldom allows close approach.
14 Comments
Thanks Sachin & Dilan
Amazing !!!!!!!!!
Wonderful ,,
Espectacular
Another of my favourites
beautiful
Amazing photos!
Great pictures!
Very nice series!
Holy cow, what an awesome looking bird. Nice spot. Thanks for posting.
Wow what an unique looking bird and you captured it wonderfully. Lovely details and information on a bird I have never seen before. Thank you for sharing.
These birds are extremely protective of their young and nesting territory. I have watched them physically attack and injure humans which threatened them.
They also have a very distinctive call that is often heard at night.
Fabulous pics.
Great spot. I didn't know such bird exists.
superb series!