Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) (Molina, 1782)

 

Synonyms: Parra chilensis, Belonopterus chilensis, Vanellus grisescens, Dorypaltus prosphatus

 

 

Vanellus chilensis is widely distributed in Central and South America from Costa Rica to Tierra del Fuego. It is expanding north through Central America and the southern West Indies with recent nesting records in southern Mexico, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados; colonized the western Amazon in response to deforestation. This species inhabits river plains, lake shores, grasslands, damp meadows, pastures, and lawns; up to 2,600 m. The southern populations move north during austral winter. Well adapted to living alongside humans, and benefited from widespread cattle ranching. A large, crested lapwing (length 32-38 mm; weight 220-425 g) with a black forehead, throat, and breast; the upperparts are brownish-grey with a bronze sheen; the underparts are white; red wing spurs are present. Breeding season varies geographically. The nest is a scrape in the ground; 1-4 eggs. The chicks are precocial. Adults aggressively defend the nest and young, and mob potential predators. Southern Lapwings feed on insects, earthworms, crustaceans, mollusks and small fish.

 

		D46476 Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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