Andean Lapwing vs Spur-winged Lapwing

Vanellus resplendens compared with Vanellus spinosus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Andean Lapwing Spur-winged Lapwing
Scientific Name Vanellus resplendens Vanellus spinosus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae Charadriidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 43.5 cm (17.1 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 211.5 g (7.46 oz) 159.0 g (5.61 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-4 2-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Andean Lapwing only

None

Spur-winged Lapwing only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Andean Lapwing

Least Concern

Spur-winged Lapwing

About These Birds

Andean Lapwing

Andean Lapwing: 29–32 cm, large lapwing of the high Andes with grey head, white supercilium, metallic green upperparts, and red-and-yellow bill. Resident on puna grassland, bogs, and lake margins from Colombia to northern Argentina at 3,000–4,800 m. Insectivorous. Sedentary high-altitude specialist. Often encountered near Andean wetlands.

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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