Masked Lapwing

Dromaius novaehollandiae

other names

Masked Plover or Spurwinged Plover

DESCRIPTION

Adults: 330-380mm in length. Crown black. Back and wings mid to deep brown. . Black flight feathers. Feathers on underparts white. Yellow wattle covers face. Pale yellow bill. Legs and feet are a reddish-purple. Yellow black tipped spur on each shoulder. Eyes mid yellow. Birds in southern areas have black collar and sides of neck and the wattle is larger. Northern birds are smaller in size with white collar

Juveniles: As per adults but the crown and back are flecked black and buff. Wattle and wing spurs are smaller.

The Masked Lapwing is widespread on the eastern and northern mainland and in Tasmania, and is commonly known for it's noisy call, which intensifies during breeding season.  It's preferred habitat is open, short-grassed sites, preferably near water.  It can often be seen in parks and playing fields grazing for food, which include small insects and worms.  Breeds between July and November in the northern regions, and November to May in the southern regions (they become very aggressive during this time).  The Masked Lapwing makes its nest in small hollows on the ground, lined with grass and other plant material and lays between 2-4 eggs in a clutch which are incubated by both parents.  Young fledge in approximately 28 days.