Masked lapwing / Maskenkiebitz (Vanellus miles)

Masked lapwing at Sydney zoo. 2008-01-10 13.12.58 Australia
Classification: Genus Vanellus; Family Charadriidae
General: The masked lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent, New Zealand and New Guinea. It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food such as insects and worms, and has several distinctive calls. It is common in Australian fields and open land, and is known for its defensive swooping behaviour during the nesting season. [more]

First documented observation : 2008-01-10 in Australia.