Southern Lapwing vs Masked Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis compared with Vanellus miles

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Southern Lapwing Masked Lapwing
Scientific Name Vanellus chilensis Vanellus miles
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae Charadriidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 45.2 cm (17.8 in) 49.1 cm (19.3 in)
Weight 291.5 g (10.28 oz) 310.0 g (10.93 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-4 3-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Southern Lapwing only

None

Masked Lapwing only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Southern Lapwing

Least Concern

Masked Lapwing

About These Birds

Southern Lapwing

Southern Lapwing: 32–38 cm, the most familiar South American lapwing with a grey head, pinkish-grey upperparts, metallic green wing spurs, and a distinctive crest. Common resident from Colombia south to Patagonia in open grassland, farmland, and urban parks. Insectivorous. Highly vocal and territorial. Expanding its range northward.

Masked Lapwing

Masked Lapwing: 30–37 cm, large noisy Australasian lapwing with yellow facial wattles and sharp wing spurs. Common resident in open grassland, parks, and wetland margins throughout Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. Famously aggressive in defence of ground nest. Feeds on invertebrates. Largely sedentary and adaptable to urban environments.

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