Masked Lapwing

We were always told that these birds were larger versions of a Plover.  Even though they spent a lot of time walking like plovers they seemed much too big.  We have them here and a pair have just hatched a brood of four chicks in a vacant lot two doors up.  The docile walker behaviour has been replaced by parental dive bomber.  Dogs and cats get the treatment but especially the Kestrels we have here as well.  They get no chance to hover as the lapwings will attack. They have a spur protruding from each of their wings and use them.  They have different raucous warning calls which sets off the mayhem.   Over at Collendina we saw these birds for twenty yar and not once did I see any chicks, just adults pecking around.

Internet photo shows protruding spurs

Roof patrol

Ground patrol with chick