Birds
Southern Lapwing
Vanellus chilensis · also called southern lapwings
Sounding a loud alarm call at the first sign of trouble and diving aggressively at intruders many times its own size, a southern lapwing has made itself one of the most conspicuous birds across open South American habitat, from natural grassland to farmland and city parks alike.
Overview
The southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis, is a Least Concern wading bird native to grassland and wetland habitat across most of South America. Its loud alarm calls, aggressive nest defence backed by wing spurs, and strong adaptability to human-modified landscapes make it one of the most conspicuous and ecologically successful shorebirds found anywhere on the continent.
A self-appointed alarm system
Few birds announce a threat as loudly or persistently as the southern lapwing, whose piercing alarm calls and diving attacks have made it an unofficial early-warning system for other wildlife sharing the same open ground.
Status
Least Concern, remaining abundant and increasing across most of South America, benefiting from the species’ adaptability to farmland and other human-modified open habitats.
Southern Lapwing: common questions
Why is the southern lapwing so noticeable?
This species is known for its loud, distinctive alarm call, often the first warning that alerts other animals to an approaching predator or intruder in open habitat.
Is the southern lapwing dangerous to approach near its nest?
This species aggressively defends its nest with loud calling and diving attacks, targeting intruders considerably larger than itself, including humans and livestock that stray too close.
What are the spurs on a southern lapwing's wings for?
This species has sharp spurs on the bend of each wing, used as a weapon during aggressive nest defence against intruders that ignore its warning calls.
Has the southern lapwing adapted well to human-modified habitat?
Yes, this species has adapted well to a wide range of open habitats, including farmland, parks, and urban grassy areas, in addition to its natural grassland and wetland range.