Masked Lapwing
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Masked lapwings have a bright yellow bill and face, a black crown, a white throat and chest, and gray wings. These birds spend much of their time on the ground searching for worms and insects. They even build their nests on the ground and defend them by swooping at nearby animals and people.
Interesting Fact 1
Some masked lapwings have sharp yellow spurs on the front of their wings, which are used to scare off predators.
Interesting Fact 2
They were named after their bright yellow face, which resembles a masquerade mask and contrasts with their white neck and body.
Interesting Fact 3
Although masked lapwings are very territorial, they often build their nests in human-populated areas.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
