Masked Lapwing

35-38 cm. Well known by appearance, aggressive habits and penetrating calls. Race novaehollandiae (formerly 'Spurwinged Plover'): crown and back of neck black, extending broadly down sides of upperbreast. Nominate race miles of n. Aust. (formerly 'Masked Plover') noticeably whiter: yellow facial wattle much larger and more conspicuous; crown black, tapering on nape; neck and underparts white. Intermediates, resulting from interbreeding of the two races (see below), have mid-sized wattles, variable amount of black on side of neck. Pairs to large, vocal flocks in autumn. Noisy: with much interaction and upright posturing when courting. Aggressive when nesting; dives at intruders; sharp, black-tipped yellow bony spurs on 'shoulders' used against predators. Flies with quick beats: broad wings white below with black flight feathers; rump and tail white with broad black terminal band tipped white.