Return of Bird of the Week: Southern Lapwing
Lapwings are a species of Plover. They are widespread across South and Central America, and there is considerable variation among the four subspecies.
Southern Lapwing, Fretensissubspecies, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
This is a bird that has succeeded and prospered in the face of human alteration of their ranges. This is a grassland bird, and man’s creation of pastures and fields has simply given the species more range.
It’s not a bird you could easily confuse with any other.
Southern Lapwing, Fretensissubspecies, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
The face, very odd head shape and bright red eye and extensive black on the face, neck and belly are unique. The species has a crest in both sexes, but it isn’t always visible.
The color variation across the subspecies is pretty dramatic.
Southern Lapwing, Lampronotussubspecies, coastal Peru
This bird is from the shore-side grasslands of coastal Peru. You can see that the back and wings are more tan than gray, but the basic patterns are the same.
Like may southern Neotropical species, not a lot is known about the Southern Lapwing, a bit surprising given its ubiquity and adaptation to urban environments. There is anecdotal evidence this a cooperative breeder, meaning that non-breeding adults cooperate in raising the kids. But no one knows for certain.
Oh, and the red socks are for Jeanne Devon.
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.