Southern Lapwing vs Spur-winged Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis compared with Vanellus spinosus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Southern Lapwing Spur-winged Lapwing
Scientific Name Vanellus chilensis Vanellus spinosus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae Charadriidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 45.2 cm (17.8 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 291.5 g (10.28 oz) 159.0 g (5.61 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-4 2-4
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Southern Lapwing only

None

Spur-winged Lapwing only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Southern Lapwing

Least Concern

Spur-winged 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.

Spur-winged Lapwing

Spur-winged Lapwing: 25–28 cm, slim lapwing with black cap, black breast-band, white cheeks, and prominent wing spur. Breeds across North Africa and the Middle East; also resident in sub-Saharan Africa. Inhabits sandy riverbanks, lake margins, and irrigated farmland. Insectivorous. Partial migrant in northern populations.

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