Yellow mask and Yellow wing spurs - Masked Lapwing

This is a flight photo of another common bird in Australia, the Masked Lapwing.

 

Look closely and you will see a yellow projection on the front of each wing.

 

The primary function of the yellow spurs on a masked lapwing's wings is to defend its territory and offspring. These spurs, located on the wrist (carpal joint) of each wing, are used for fending off predators, guarding nests, and competing with other lapwings during the breeding season. The rest of the time they are just for show.

 

These birds are also called Spur-winged Plover

 

The yellow wattle on their face is used for attracting mates and temperature regulation.

 

The masked lapwing is the largest representative of the family Charadriidae

 

-Vanellus miles

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Uploaded on June 6, 2025
Taken on May 7, 2025