The banded lapwing is a small to medium-sized shorebird, found in small parties or large flocks on bare ground in open grasslands, agricultural land and open savannah. It is native to Australia and in the past considered as a game bird for hunting. Population estimate is 25 000 - 1 000 000. Other names include banded, black-breasted, brown flock and plain plover.
Region
Australia
Typical Environment
Found widely across southern and inland Australia, including agricultural districts, lightly grazed grasslands, and open savannah. Prefers flat country with short turf, bare patches, or stony ground, and will use airfields, sports grounds, and ploughed fields. Often forages on dry lake margins and lightly vegetated floodplains after rain. Generally avoids dense vegetation and steep or heavily wooded terrain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This alert, ground-nesting lapwing favors open, sparsely vegetated ground where its cryptic chicks can hide quickly. Adults perform dramatic distraction displays to lure predators away from nests. It often benefits from short pasture and agricultural stubble, and will gather in flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
wary and vigilant, territorial when breeding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low-level flight; display flights include circling while calling
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small parties or larger flocks on open ground. Breeding pairs defend a territory and nest in a simple ground scrape, often on bare soil or very short grass. Adults use distraction displays and alarm calls to protect chicks, which are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, yelping notes and repeated tinkling or piping phrases, especially when alarmed. Vocal and noisy near nests, with rapid, insistent call series during display flights.
