Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing is a large, conspicuous plover instantly recognizable by the large, fleshy yellow wattles that hang from its face, giving it a distinctive "masked" appearance. It has a black crown, brown back, and white underparts, with bright yellow legs and a sharp yellow spur concealed at the bend of each wing, used as a weapon in territorial disputes.

Widespread and often abundant across Australia and New Guinea, it has adapted well to human-modified landscapes and is a familiar sight on sports fields, golf courses, and suburban parks, where its loud alarm calls and aggressive nest defense are well known to residents.

Two subspecies are recognized, differing mainly in the extent of black on the head and the size of the wattles.

Key field marks

• Large yellow facial wattles, unique among lapwings
• Black crown and hindneck, brown back, white underparts
• Bright yellow legs
• Yellow carpal (wing) spur, visible at close range or in disputes
• Loud, rattling alarm call

Similar species

• Southern Lapwing of South America has a red (not yellow) eye-ring and lacks large facial wattles; ranges do not overlap.
• No other Australasian shorebird shares its wattled face.

Masked Lapwings occupy a wide range of open habitats across Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, including wetlands, pastures, farmland, floodplains, and increasingly parks, golf courses, school ovals, and other short-grass urban environments.

Most populations are largely sedentary or make only local movements, though some southern Australian populations shift seasonally in response to rainfall and food availability.

Voice

A loud, harsh, rattling kekekekekek alarm call, frequently given in flight, especially when disturbed near a nest.

Feeding

Forages by walking across open ground, using the classic plover run-stop-peck technique to find insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates in short grass or soil.

Nesting

Nests in a simple scrape on open ground, often in highly exposed locations including sports fields, road verges, and rooftops. Extremely defensive of its nest and chicks, it will dive-bomb intruders—including people—while striking with the sharp spurs on its wings.