Common Name: Chilean Lapwing Scientific Name: Vanellus chilensis cayennensis
Least Concern Chilean Lapwing Distribution: South America Habitat: Lakes, river, wetlands and grasslands Size: 33 cm long Weight: 300 g Diet: Inserctivores
The Chilean lapwing is the Northern subspecies of the Southern lapwing. They are sometimes classed as a separate species. They are found north of the Amazon river. They are the only crested wading bird in South America. Their bodies are grey, with a black chest and face and a white belly. They also have bronze shoulders. Their eye rings, legs and bills are pink. These birds have red bony extensions on their wings called spurs, these are used to display and fight birds of prey. They have a loud, harsh call of keek - keek - keek. The Chilean lapwing breeds on open grasslands, they lay 2 or 3 eggs on the bare ground. They perform aerobatic displays in flight to defend their territory. They will aggressively defend their nest from intruders. Out of the breeding season they disperse into the wetlands, lakes are rivers. They mostly hunt at night, running then waiting to spot their prey. They are social birds often congregating in large flocks.