Banded Lapwing

The Banded Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus tricolor, is a medium-sized shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It has short, dark purplish legs and a dull red tibia, with a body length ranging from 25 to 29 cm and an average weight of 190 grams. Its upright stance and deliberate walk, which can accelerate to a trot when startled, are characteristic. The bill is pale yellow with a black tip, and at the base sits a small red wattle, more pronounced in males. The bird's plumage features a black cap, white throat and underparts, and a black breast band that extends up the neck to the face. Bright yellow irises add a striking contrast to its facial features.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Banded Lapwing, look for the black breast band that extends up the sides of the neck, the white eye stripes, and the small red wattle at the base of the bill. The yellow irises are also a helpful feature. Juveniles resemble adults but have mottled dark brown on the crown, nape, sides of the neck, and breast, with tan upper parts.

Habitat

This species thrives in open plains and short grassland areas, including heavily grazed paddocks, agricultural lands, and recently germinated cereal crops. It is often found in pastures of coastal and inland regions but avoids dense Acacia scrub unless overgrazing has opened the area.

Distribution

Endemic to Australia, the Banded Lapwing is distributed across the mainland and Tasmania. It is a rare sight in northern Australia and is uncommon in most coastal areas. The species has likely benefited from the clearing of forests and woodlands for agriculture in southern Australia.

Behaviour

Banded Lapwings are social birds, gathering in small flocks and displaying nomadic tendencies outside the breeding season. Their movements are influenced by seasonal conditions, often seeking out areas with the highest rainfall for breeding.

Song & Calls

The Banded Lapwing emits a loud, strident 'kew-kew-kew' when alarmed. It also produces a descending 'er-chill-char, er-chill char' sound, which is particularly noticeable during breeding season.

Breeding

Monogamous by nature, Banded Lapwings breed once a year, with a season extending from June to November. They prefer open areas for nesting, with a wide view to spot potential threats. The nest is a simple ground scrape, sometimes lined with vegetation or small stones. Both parents share incubation duties over 26 to 28 days. The eggs are light brown with splotches, and the chicks are well camouflaged. Parents are fiercely protective, using distraction displays and aggression to defend their territory.

Diet and Feeding

As obligate feeders, Banded Lapwings forage both day and night, preferring areas with very short grass. Their diet consists of seeds and insects, including worms, ants, termites, beetles, cockroaches, grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars.

Conservation status

The Banded Lapwing is currently classified as Least Concern. Its future survival seems secure, with no immediate or serious threats identified. Conservation efforts will focus on the appropriate management of farm and pastoral lands where the species is known to thrive.