Lifespan16 to 20 years in the wild
Quick facts
DietInsects, larvae, and earthworms
HabitatMarshes, mudflats, beaches and grasslands
RangeNative range in Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea
The Masked Lapwing
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Spear-Carrying Bird
Natives call the masked lapwing the 'spear-carrying bird' due to the sharp yellow spurs on its wings. When intruders such as ravens or cats approach nests or chicks, the lapwing swoops in and strikes with its spurs, calling loudly.
Strikes can lead to injuries, but the wing usually heals. Lapwings also pretend to have a broken wing or leg to divert predators from their young.
Precocial Chicks
The masked lapwing nests on the ground. Its brown spotted eggs and chicks are well camouflaged amongst vegetation. At hatching, the chicks are covered in down feathers. Being precocial, they can leave the nest and feed themselves within a few hours.
They freeze when in danger. Parents provide guidance&mdashlong calls mean 'come closer' while a single chirp every few seconds means 'move away'.
