#factaboutsoldierlapwing

Photo by Ramlee Ibrahim on Unsplash Morphological characteristics Soldier lapwings have almost entirely white underparts, contrasting with the wings and back which are plain olive-brown, and the crown which is black. The face is covered with long yellow wattles which form a characteristic mask. The wings are equipped with a spur at each wrist. This spur is yellow with a black tip. Geographic distribution It is endemic to Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia where it is found in the north, east, and south. Habitat Soldier lapwings frequent a wide variety of open habitats. However, they prefer those with short grass, whether natural or cultivated. They are therefore found primarily in pastures, fallow land, airports, and at the edge of many kinds of wet habitats such as temporary reservoirs, water holes, lakes, and lagoons. They are never very far from the water. Soldier lapwings can also be seen in sheltered coastal areas. They are pretty common in urban areas where they readily occupy parks, playgrounds and roads provided these are provided with grass. Diet Soldier lapwings feed mainly on insects, earthworms, and spiders. They also catch mollusks, and crustaceans and they take seeds and leaves. Social structure These birds may choose to be solitary, to live in couples, or to congregate in small, loose groups. When there are eggs or newly hatched chicks in the nest, the Soldier Lapwing will defend the territory with great determination. The adults make a swift lunge at the intruder and may even pretend that one of their wings is damaged in order to distract the potential threat and draw it away from the nest. There are not many contacts. In most cases, these activities stop as soon as the chicks are able to move around on their own. Instead of protecting the actual nest itself, the parents guard much larger territories around the young. The Soldier Lapwing is accustomed to the presence of humans and can therefore survive being in close proximity to them when they live in metropolitan environments. On the other hand, he is apprehensive of other people and will not tolerate an approach that is too detailed. see also: Barn Owls Facts, Everything You Need Know About Barn Owls Read the full article