Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)

Identification & Behavior: ~35.5 cm (14 in). The Southern Lapwing is mostly gray above and white below. The forehead, chin, and breast are black. It shows a distinctive long thin crest, red bill, and red legs. It is distinguished from the similar Andean Lapwing by having a black forehead, chin, and breast. The ranges of these to lapwings do not overlap.

Status: The Southern Lapwing appears to be increasing in numbers in Madre de Dios. It is rare along large rivers in Ucayali and Loreto where it seems to be expanding. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Avefría Tero.

Sub-species: Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis lampronotus), Wagler 1827.

Meaning of Name: Vanellus: L. diminutive of Vannus= Abib (popular name of a passerine bird from Portugal). chilensis = in reference to the country of Chile, originating in Chile.

See more of the Family Charadriidae