It is a very family bird, often taking up noisy and aggressive residence on sports ovals, traffic islands and farmer's fields. It will aggressively defend its territory from cats, dogs, other birds and well meaning photographers.
There are two species of the Masked Lapwing found in Australia - Vanellus miles miles and Vanellus miles novaehollandiae. The subspecies miles a more northern distribution, while the novaehollandiae subspecies in found in the SE of Australia. The two types interbreed where their range overlaps.
Being that Melbourne is in SE Australia I only see one of these types on a regular basis.
The northern species lacks the black neck and chest stripe of the southern species, and also has a long yellow face mask.
The younger birds in these picture as subspecies novaehollandiae.
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| Young novaehollandiae spps |
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| Young novaehollandiae spps |
adult novaehollandiae spps
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| adult miles spps |
The miles spps was taken in Kakadu national park, the other birds were taken in Victoria - with the young ones being photographed at Point Lonsdale early this year.
As ever, to join in just click on the blue button below. Hope all is well. SM
Interesting looking bird..It looks like a gull with a hood on! I hope you weren't attacked while taking these pictures..Enjoy the rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteLove the yellow mask! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured images of this unusual looking bird, and interesting info. I hope to link up next week with some bird photos. Until then take care, and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThat yellow wattle mask is really weird. but they may think that we look weird not wearing one these days. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteWere these previously plovers? I get so confused with all the name changing that is going on. Lovely photos. Keep safe, cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the younger birds at that stage of development Stewart so that was lovely to see your photos. Thanks for hosting, stay safe (we are STILL in lockdown!) and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteI must start posting my bird post on our tuesday so as to be timely, Jim!
ReplyDeleteA bird I remember well - with fondness actually.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThat last fellow is very dapper, eh?! YAM xx
What an amazing bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us this beauty.
All the best!
Yet another new species for me! Would that I could pop down for an actual look. In the meantime, thank you, Stewart, for a "virtual" experience.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of it until now (what else is new???) and I have to say, it appears to wearing a MASK!!!...:)jp
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of these beautiful birds... Cheers 😊
ReplyDeleteInteresting looking bird!
ReplyDeleteLovely but unnown bird for me :-))
ReplyDeleteAlso unknown to me. But what intriguing facial features...a masked bird! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting bird. The yellow mask is so neat looking.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual face it has!
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