Masked Lapwing

Mask Lapwing (Vanellus miles)

The masked lapwing (Vanellus miles ) is a species of bird in the family of plovers ( Charadriidae ). He is sometimes referred to as soldiers Lapwing.

Appearance

The masked lapwing is up to 35 cm tall and weighs up to 450 grams and has a wingspan of 85 cm. Males and females look alike.

Lifestyle, distribution and population

The diet consists of insects, spiders, worms, crustaceans and seeds. The birds are ground dwellers and live in pairs or in small groups. The propagation takes place all year round. He builds a simple ground nest and lays eggs in it 3-4. After an incubation period of 4 weeks the chicks hatch, which have emerged after a year. They have a life expectancy of 20 years.

The masked lapwing lives in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and New Guinea, especially in the open grasslands, fields and wetlands. He is a synanthropic species, which is increasingly found in urban parks.

The wildlife population is not threatened.