Pair of Masked Lapwings

Been a very busy last day before Christmas, getting many projects completed before the big day. Took a very short stroll around the Belair Park again and as soon as we arrived, I spotted this pair of Masked Lapwings. Luckily I was able to grab a few shots before they took off, thanks to heavy competition from all of the ducks around them.

Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. The Masked Lapwing is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. 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.

The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. Northern birds are smaller, without the partial black collar, but have a much larger wattle, which covers most of the side of the face. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur.

Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. The southern subspecies is also known as the Spur-winged Plover.

I think this is a very attractive looking bird, much better in LARGE.

Wishing all my blip friends a very Merry Christmas for tomorrow.