A captivating bird found across much of South America. Its distinctive appearance and behavior make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Southern lapwing is a medium-sized bird with a striking combination of colors and patterns. Its body is primarily a mix of gray and brown, with a white underbelly and a prominent black chest band. The wings display a beautiful array of iridescent green and purple feathers that shimmer in the sunlight, adding a touch of brilliance to its appearance.
One of the Southern lapwing’s most noticeable features is its striking red eyes and long, thin, red legs. These vibrant eyes are set against a black mask that extends from the beak to the back of the head, giving the bird a somewhat stern and alert expression. Its slender and sharp beak is ideal for its feeding habits.
Southern Lapwings are known for their loud and distinctive calls, often described as a shrill “kreeeet” or “klee-wee.” These calls are typically heard during the breeding season or when the bird feels threatened. They are highly vocal and use their calls to communicate with each other and to warn off potential predators or intruders.
These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, savannas, and even urban areas like parks and golf courses. They are ground-nesters, preferring open areas where they can keep a clear view of their surroundings. Their nests are simple scrapes in the ground, sometimes lined with small stones or vegetation.
Distribution
Argentina
Aruba
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
Bonaire Sint Eustatius And Saba
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Curaçao
Ecuador
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
French Guiana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Vincent
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
