Southern Lapwing
1. Bird Name
The bird under discussion is the Southern Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus chilensis.
2. Appearance
The Southern Lapwing is a striking bird, known for its crisp plumage and metallic sheen. Its body is predominantly slate-grey, with blackish areas on the breast and towards its rear. Noteworthy features include spur-tipped wings, a conspicuous crest, and a striking deep chestnut hue that can be seen when the wings are open. The bird has a robust red beak, which ends in a black tip, complementing its crimson eyes. The legs are pinkish-red, slender and long, aiding in its ground foraging habits. Both males and females have similar appearances; however, males have a slightly larger spur.
3. Size
The adult Southern Lapwing is typically about 32-38 cm (12.6-15 inches) long. The wingspan of these birds can extend to about 82 cm (32.28 inches), providing an impressive sight in flight. It weighs between 250 and 425 grams (8.8-15 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
A conspicuous inhabitant of the humid lowlands, Southern Lapwings are found across South America; from Tierra del Fuego to the fringes of the Amazon Basin. They show a strong preference for open habitats such as pastures, agricultural lands, mudflats, and around bodies of water.
5. Interesting Facts
Despite being primarily terrestrial, Southern Lapwings are excellent fliers and are known for their dramatic aerial acrobatic displays during territorial disputes or in the face of predators. Interestingly, they’re also nocturnal feeders, one of the few bird species that feed at night. Historically, these birds have cultural significance among native South American tribes, who see them as harbingers of impending rain.
6. Diet
Southern Lapwings are omnivores and exhibit foraging behaviours. Their diet primarily consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. At times, they also consume seeds and other plant material.
7. Behavior & Sounds
They exhibit a variety of fascinating behaviours, including a ‘broken wing’ act to lure predators away from their nests. The bird’s call is an unmistakable loud, sharp “pee-wit” sound, often repeated several times.
8. Conservation Status
The Southern Lapwing isn’t currently of conservation concern. It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List, thanks in part to its wide distribution and high population counts.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Southern Lapwings can live up to 10 to 15 years, but in captivity, with optimal conditions, they can live up to 25 years.
10. Additional Notes
Females of this species lay an approximate of 2-3 eggs in shallow scrapes lined with pebbles and grass. The eggs hatch in about 26-30 days, with both parents share incubation duties. The fledglings can fly at about 6 weeks of age.
In Brazil, they go by the name ‘Quero-Quero’, which is an onomatopoeic representation of their loud, incessant territorial call. The Southern Lapwing is the national bird of Uruguay, demonstrating its cultural importance in this region.
They are instrumental in their ecosystem by controlling the pest population and disposing of carcasses, thereby helping to maintain balanced ecosystems. They are generally tolerant of humans, often making nests near human habitations. However, they can also be fiercely protective of their nests and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat.
