Black-shouldered Lapwing

Vanellus novaehollandiae

Bird Life Native IUCN: Least Concern
Species name Some sources list this species as a sub species at the moment it is recognised as a split and as such is named as "Vanellus novaehollandiae"

About

They are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. It is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown and has black on the hind neck and sides of breast. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The spur is yellow with a black tip.

Lapwings use these spurs when diving at potential predators or intruders during breeding season, while chicks are running around or when the eggs are just about to hatch. While these attacks are quite unnerving, the birds seldom actually strike their ‘victims’, preferring a close approach to scare them away.

Size

It measures from 30 to 37 cm long and has a wingspan of 75–85 cm

Habitat

Inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches, grasslands and urban areas

Distribution

East and southeast Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  3. BirdLife Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Matthieu Gauvain

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.