Masked lapwing
Latin Name
Vanellus miles
Class
Birds
Order
Charadriiformes
Description
Vanellus miles
Class
Birds
Order
Charadriiformes
Description
The masked lapwing has a bright yellow bill and face, with a black crown and white throat and chest. Its wings are gray. It can reach up to 14 inches in height.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent.
Status
Masked lapwings are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Masked Lapwing Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
An adaptable species, the masked lapwing favors wetlands but can found in a variety of habitats.
Niche
The birds spend much of the time on the ground, searching for worms and insects to feed on.
Life History
Masked lapwings construct their nests on the ground and will defend them vigorously against animals—and people—that approach too closely.
