A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Photo(s):
Masked Lapwing
Vanellus miles
Vanellus miles
Breeds June-October in southern Australia. In the breeding season this species exists in pairs or small family groups. Large flocks at other times. Opportunisitic breeders. Both sexes build the nest and incubate the young for 28 days. Both sexes also care for the young, swooping aggressively to defend the nest.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Bird |
| Group | Lapwing |
| Other Common Names | Masked Plover, Spur-winged Plover. |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Markings | Large, yellow wattles covering face. Black-tipped yellow bony spur on the shoulder of each wing. |
| Diet | Carnivore. Insects, insect larvae and earthworms. |
| Habitat | Open, short-grassed sites (both natural and modified). Often found beside water of swamps, lagoons and salt marshes. Also seen at mudflats, beaches and grasslands. Populate urban areas. |
| Native Status | Native to Australia |
| Sounds | Loud, penetrating alarm "karrek - karrak - karrak". When the young are approached "karri - karrik - karrik" and "kek - kekkekekeke". |
| Taxonomy | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | miles |
Common in northern, central and eastern Australia. Found in Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Conservation Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Not listed |
| FFG Act | Not listed |
| EPBC Act | Not listed |
The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.
