Southern Lapwing vs Northern Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis compared with Vanellus vanellus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Southern Lapwing Northern Lapwing
Scientific Name Vanellus chilensis Vanellus vanellus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae Charadriidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length — —
Wingspan 45.2 cm (17.8 in) 44.5 cm (17.5 in)
Weight 291.5 g (10.28 oz) 223.0 g (7.87 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-4 4
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Southern Lapwing only

None

Northern Lapwing only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Southern Lapwing

Near Threatened

Northern 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.

Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing: 28–33 cm, wingspan 67–87 cm. Iconic Eurasian lapwing with an iridescent green back, wispy crest, and broad rounded wings giving a floppy flight. Breeds on farmland and wet grassland; winters in southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. Feeds on invertebrates. Widespread but declining. NT.

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