Information 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"
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.

At a glance

Habitat Inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches, grasslands and urban areas
Size It measures from 30 to 37 cm long and has a wingspan of 75–85 cm
Origin Native
Distribution East and southeast Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand
Descriptions
Distribution
East and southeast Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand
Habitat
Inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches, grasslands and urban areas
Size
It measures from 30 to 37 cm long and has a wingspan of 75–85 cm
Common Name Black-shouldered Lapwing
Aliases Spur-Winged Plover, Masked Lapwing,
Origin Native
Conservation Least Concern
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Distribution and map

Occurrences shown for the family Charadriidae. Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia.

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
SubphylumVertebrata
SuperclassGnathostomata
ClassAves
OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyCharadriidae
GenusVanellus
SpeciesVanellus novaehollandiae
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Sat 12 Dec 2020 @ 23:00 PM
Updated Sun 25 Sep 2022 @ 00:00 AM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.