The Masked Lapwing is native to Australia. The northern race
(V. m. miles) above left has no black neck stripe; the southern race
(V. m. novaehollandiae) right has a more extensive black cap and a plover-like black neck bar
(bird previously known as Masked Plover and still known locally as Spur-winged Plover, the name of a similar African/Middle Eastern
species (Vanellus spinosus)).
Birds pair off in the nesting season and tend to flock together at other times.
They have a spur on each wing for defending territory from other Lapwings, predatory birds and other animals.
Male and female have similar plumage and wattles.