Southern Lapwing

The Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) is a common and widespread resident throughout South America. The head is particularly striking; mainly grey with a black forehead and throat patch extending onto the black breast. A white border separates the black of the face from the grey of the head and crest. It is equipped with red bony extensions under the wings (spurs), used to intimidate foes and fight birds of prey. Its food is mainly insects hunted using a run-and-wait technique mainly at night, often in flocks.