The masked lapwing is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms, and has several distinctive calls. It is common in Australian fields and open land, and is known for its defensive swooping behaviour during the nesting season.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Found widely across Australia and southern New Guinea, and self-established throughout much of New Zealand. Prefers open country with short vegetation, including grasslands, pastures, parks, sports fields, and airfields. Occurs from coasts to inland wetlands and floodplains, and sometimes along beaches and mudflats. Avoids dense forests and tall, rank grass. Frequently nests on bare ground or gravelly rooftops in urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Masked lapwings are famous for their bright yellow facial wattles and the small spurs on their wings, which they brandish when defending nests. They readily use human-made habitats such as sports fields, airfields, and rooftops. Parents are highly defensive during breeding, loudly calling and swooping at intruders to protect their downy, precocial chicks. They often benefit from short, mown grass that makes invertebrates easier to spot.
In flight with wing spurs clearly visible
Temperament
bold and defensive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats, usually low over open ground
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during breeding, often defending territories vigorously. Nests are simple ground scrapes in open areas; chicks are highly precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching. Outside the breeding season, they may gather in loose flocks on feeding grounds and roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, piercing calls that carry over long distances, often a rapid, repeated 'kek-kek-kek'. Alarm calls escalate during nest defense and can be given day or night, especially near human activity.
Plumage
Crisp contrast of white underparts and brownish upperparts with a black cap; neck varies from white (northern subspecies) to black hindneck (southern subspecies). Smooth, close-fitting plumage suited to open habitats.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, ants, worms, spiders, and small crustaceans. Probes soft ground and plucks prey from short grass, often following rain when earthworms are abundant. Occasionally takes seeds or small vertebrates, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Short, open swards such as mown lawns, sports fields, airstrips, and grazed pasture. Also forages along wet margins of ponds, flooded fields, and estuarine flats where invertebrates are accessible.
