Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens)

Identification & Behavior: ~34 cm (13.3 in). The Andean Lapwing has a brown back and white belly. The head, neck, and breast are gray. It has a bright red bill with black tip and red legs. It is distinguished from the similar Southern Lapwing by having gray head, neck, and breast. The ranges of these to lapwings do not overlap.

Status: The Andean Lapwing can be common to fairly common in open country at elevations ranging between 3000 to 4500 m. There is an isolated population at lower elevation in the department of Amazonas. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Avefría Andina.

Sub-species: Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens), Tschudi 1843.

Meaning of Name: Vanellus: L. diminutive of Vannus= Abib (popular name of a passerine bird from Portugal). resplendens: L. glittering, shining.

See more of the Family Charadriidae