Creating a safe, welcoming space for all is a responsibility for everyone. Once all the eggs were hatched the birds didn't hang around long. It measures from 30 to 37cm (12 to 15in) in length and has a wingspan of 7585cm (3033in), and has a conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of each wing. Some pairs also defend large mobile territories around chicks rather than just the immediate nest site. It may encourage lapwings to continue to attack; Do not remove eggs or destroy nests as birds will re-lay or re-nest; Harass, interfere or throw objects at the birds. Masked lapwings are found throughout Australia except for Western Australia. as the traditional and original owners and continuing custodians of this land, and acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging. The New Zealand and New Caledonian populations have been formed from birds that have flown there from Australia. Bridled Triggerfish, Sufflamen fraenatum (Latreille, 1804). In this section, find out everything you need to know about visiting the Australian Museum, how to get here and the extraordinary exhibitions on display. Strikes are much rarer on humans because they are more aware. You have reached the end of the main content. They will often stay with the parents for 1-2 years, forming family groups of 3-5 birds nesting in one location over the summer. Then, she puts the egg in a soundproof box with a high-powered microphone and records the calls coming from the chick inside. panic or run as it will encourage a swooping bird to continue its attack as most swooping behaviour is a form of bluffing. The Masked Lapwing is predominantly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. Names (22) Subspecies (2) Josep del Hoyo, Popko Wiersma, Guy M. Kirwan, and Nigel Collar Version: 1.0 Published March 4, 2020 Text last updated February 19, 2016. 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 is 12-15 inches long and has a wingspan of 30-33 inches. Masked Lapwings feed on insects and their larvae, and earthworms. It has long red legs and yellow bill with a bright yellow wattles on the face and forehead and a small spur on the edge of their wing. harass, interfere or throw objects at the birds. Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. A hollow is scraped into the ground and lined with small pieces of dry vegetation collected from the immediate vicinity. Banded Stilts are highly gregarious, found in small parties to dense flocks sometimes in thousands, mainly on inland saltmarshes. Across cultures and history, the face has been bestowed with incredible importance and power. The crown and back of the neck are black and the underparts are white. There seems to be some significant use of language to guide chicks during a situation perceived to be dangerous. You can disable these at any time. Join our membership community and receive benefits, including free parking, souvenir discounts, and invitations to special events. "They usually give off a high-pitched warning call, to let you know they are there, sitting on their nest," Ms Kostoglou said. The spur is yellow with a black tip. The masked lapwing, also commonly known simply as "plover" is a medium-sized conspicuous bird with loud, penetrating calls. Check out the What's On calendar of events, workshops and school holiday programs. Want to protect wildlife? The intensity of the swooping decreases as the chicks grow. It should not be attempted without wearing eye protection; Panic or run. Click on the Options button. Northern subspecies lacks black shoulder band and has a larger yellow wattle. A supply of decorated sticks with flags on can be stocked where, for example, schoolchildren have to cross swoop-prone open spaces; Cyclists should always dismount and walk through the swoop-zone. Little is known about why and how bird chicks make calls from within their eggs, but Ms Kostoglou is trying to narrow it down for the masked lapwing. Masked lapwings nest in open areas which allows for the bird to view its surroundings. Learn about ongoing research conducted at the zoo and around the world. They can be seen in groups at times, especially while feeding on coastlines. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
This is particularly the case after the chicks have hatched. "About a day after hatching the egg tooth just falls off, and they begin to feed like normal," Ms Kostoglou said. Swooping usually stops when the eggs hatch and the chicks can fly. Species names in all available languages . An interactive digital map of all things at the zoo, covering all 49 acres. To interview the eggs, she takes an egg from a nest and replaces it with a false egg so the parents don't get stressed that they're missing an egg. The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigalpeople as the FirstPeoples and TraditionalCustodians ofthe land and waterways on which theMuseumstands. Science happens here. The Spur-winged plover is found mainly in South . Adults dive bomb (or swoop) on intruders, and can . Running and cycling is more likely to aggravate the birds, compared to slow walking. Heres everything you need to make your visit the best it can be. There is a widely-believed myth that the spur can inject venom. Both parents help incubate the eggs for 30 days and raise the hatchlings. We use cookies to help improve your experience on our website and to analyze site usage. They are most often seen in open grassy areas close to water. "They have empathy for other injured birds and will flock around to protect it. Masked lapwings have a bright yellow bill and face, a black crown, a white throat and chest, and gray wings. Follow the tunnel until you reach the room that's lit up with a blue hue this is the one you'll need to find the rebreather. Get all the latest science stories from across the ABC. These attacks are seasonal, most often during the breeding season from November to June. They produce one brood per year and may breed when conditions are suitable; this usually happens after the winter solstice (June 21), but sometimes before. Seasonal camps, for grades preK8, where exploring wildlife happens every day. It's not uncommon to see masked lapwings in parks, playing fields or on grassed lawns. Keep calm and carry on walking slowly past nesting lapwings. Wildlife face many daunting challengessome global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plasticbut now is not the time to despair. The Masked lapwing is the largest representative of the family Charadriidae. This may deter them, but it can also result in eye damage. Become an official partner by investing in the zoo, the community, and our greater ecosystem. We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to their leaders past, present and emerging. Students confront the real-life, science-based challenges that zookeepers and researchers face every day. Noisy lapwing with a large yellow wattle across forehead and hanging over the bill. Nests are usually either a scratch on the ground or a small mound of grass and debris. The Vanellus miles miles possess all-white neck and large yellow wattles. Mostly, they hunt alone or in small flocks. Sometimes the bird can damage its wing in a strike but usually survives, although it is flightless while the wing heals. Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families and inspiring people to care. Learn about the zoo's commitment to advancing animal care and welfare. Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. They nest in unusual places, such as building roofs, school playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, and more. "I couldn't believe it because it was just a chick calling from within the egg.". The spur is yellow with a black tip. This free, school year-long program engages middle and high school youth in research activities that support the work of Lincoln Park Zoos Urban Wildlife Institute. In the autumn and winter, lapwings will congregate into small flocks around water bodies, where they feed mainly on seeds, molluscs, worms and insects. Join the zoo in our efforts, locally and globally. Clutch size usually consists of 3 or 4 eggs which are pear shaped and a yellowish-olive to light-brownish-olive colour. They belong to the Charadriidae family originated in Australia which now, for the first time, can be found in the Katandra ex. Unlike many other dependent bird chicks, Masked Lapwing chicks have a full covering of down and are able to leave the nest and feed themselves a few hours after hatching. The Masked Lapwing is notorious for its defence of its nesting site, diving on intruders, or acting like it has a broken wing to lure the intruder away from the nest. But if you are really unlucky, and continue to get too close to their nest, they might bring out the spurs, Ms Kostoglou said. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing. They even build their nests on the ground and defend them by swooping at nearby animals and people. It is common in Australian fields and open land, and is known for its defensive swooping behaviour during the nesting season. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. Come the breeding season, they split into pairs to nest and breed from late spring. When not breeding, they travel more widely and may form temporary flocks of several hundred. Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. The lapwing eats all sorts of insects and worms that live just below the surface of the soil. When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". put up warning signs for others who may not be aware that there are swooping birds in the area. The Banded Lapwing uses foot-tapping to disturb insects from cover, running to catch anything that moves. Help us improve the content on our website or tell us what is working really well. Learn about our greater commitment to wildlife conservation. Escapee: Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. Masked Lapwings are also known as Spur-winged Plovers for their conspicuous yellow wing-spurs that they use mostly for attacking intruders to their nesting areas. The Masked Lapwing is a large species of plover native to parts of Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. Try to tolerate plovers if swooping is minor or rare, and you don't feel threatened. Receive the latest news on events, exhibitions, scienceresearch and specialoffers. Quality Plover removal and management. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get news, events, and stories sent straight to your inbox. Northern birds are smaller, without the partial black collar, but have a much larger wattle, which covers most of the side of the face. These count in official eBird totals and, where applicable, have been accepted by regional bird records committee(s). In the 'Find what:' field, enter #DIV/0! Both sexes share the building of the nest, which is a simple scrape in the ground away from ground cover. The Masked lapwing (Vanellus miles ) is a large, common, and conspicuous bird. The crown and back of the neck are black and the underparts are white. Masked lapwings swoop because they are defending eggs or young that are not capable of defending themselves from potential predators such as humans and dogs. Otherwise if you are swooped you can do any of the following: You can discourage plovers from nesting in your area by changing the habitat to make it unsuitable for them to breed by letting the grass grow long or by planting shrubs. Theres always something fun to do at the zoo. Masked Lapwings may breed when conditions are suitable. The masked lapwing is Australia's largest plover some people call them spur-wing plovers or masked plovers. "And after a while of being warmed by their parents, the chicks' feathers become that downy beautiful fluff-ball.". The young birds are born with a full covering of down and are able to leave the nest and feed themselves a few hours after hatching. Commonly, two birds are seen together, a male and a female which are almost identical. This website may contain names, images and voices of deceased Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islanderpeoples. "Then, if you get too close, they might hop off the nest and some will swoop you. Provisional species count in official eBird totals. Where this bird is used to human presence, it may tolerate close proximity; otherwise it is very wary of people, and seldom allows close approach. To figure out when and why the chicks call from within the eggs Ms Kostoglou plays the egg different types of calls to see what response they have calls from a parent and the sound of a predatory bird for example. The Norfolk Island Kaka had grey-brown on the crown and nape, with yellow to orange on the cheeks. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience onourwebsite. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. Find out how you can contribute. The spur is yellow with a black tip. They are completely independent between eight to ten months old. This species has large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The wing spur and facial wattles are either absent or smaller in size. Any interference with the bird, nest or eggs is not permitted. Explore our daily activities, experiences, and attractions. They also pretend to have broken wings to lure the predators away from their chicks. Masked Lapwing searches for food mainly on the ground, foraging by raking with one foot to extract invertebrates just below or above the surface. The nesting pair defends their territory against all intruders by calling loudly, spreading their wings, and then swooping fast and low, striking at interlopers, if necessary, with their feet, and attacking animals on the ground with the conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. The size of masked lapwing is about 330-380 mm in length. The Masked Lapwing has distinctive yellow wattles on the side of the face, a yellow bill and a yellow orbital ring. See specific accessibility information, policies, and procedures for zoo visitors. Masked lapwings are carnivores (insectivores, vermivores). This is particularly the case after the chicks have hatched. The Masked Lapwing is notorious for its defence of its nesting site. Learn More. Masked Lapwings defend strongly the nest-site and the eggs and nestlings. In urban environments plovers may lay their eggs on roof tops for safety. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Together they guard their nest (a depression or mound on the ground) and then their chicks, aggressively fending off potential attackers. The subspecies from northern Australia and New Guinea (V. m. miles ) have an all-white neck and large yellow wattles with the male having a distinctive mask and larger wattles. They use these spurs to scarepredators by flying directly at them, but they rarely ever use thespursfor anything other than looks. Where this bird is used to human presence, it may tolerate close proximity; otherwise it is very wary of people, and seldom allows close approach. It stalks around football ovals. To be precise, she's eavesdropping on the eggs listening in to the noises coming from the chicks within the egg itself. [13] They can also be found on beaches and coastlines. Support world-class care for your favorite species. Note origin of the membrane from the medial canthus. Look how a bird, Masked Lapwing Plover does it, carefully and fast. A masked lapwing blinking the left eye (the nictitating membrane is used rather than the eyelids). Native Australians once said that masked lapwings carried a spear, and they were close to the truth! "The parents will hear the calls and can alter what they're doing [on the nest] to restore the embryo back to its optimal temperature. Masked Lapwings feed on insects and their larvae, and earthworms. A female lays 3 to 5 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 28-30 days. There is a widely-believed myth that the spur on the wings can inject venom. In this section, explore all the different ways you can be a part of the Museum's groundbreaking research, as well as come face-to-face with our dedicated staff. We enjoy the support of our local community and make every effort to reciprocate that support with Chicagoland businesses. Outside of the breeding season, Masked lapwings are shy and harmless birds. Only Black-shouldered subspecies occurs in New Zealand. Explore our many programs dedicated to inspiring passion for wildlife. Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. Related Reading - The Versatile Little Ringed Plovers Masked lapwings like grassy, open areas even if it's right near traffic. They can feed singly, in pairs, or in small groups. Some masked lapwings have sharp yellow spurs on the front of their wings, which are used to scare off predators. The subspecies found in the southern and eastern states of Australia and in New Zealand (V. m. novaehollandiae), and often locally called the spur-winged plover, has a black neck-stripe and smaller wattles. Their diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, and earthworms, but they will also eat crustaceans and other invertebrates. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. Or, it could be a call to let the parents know their egg needs to be rotated to get equal warmth throughout. "They certainly do have feelings." Don't be afraid of the swooping plover Keeping your lawn regularly mown helps the lapwing find the bugs more easily and will encourage them into your garden. The specific epithet miles is the Latin word for "soldier". Some even leave the nest before the rest of their siblings hatch. The chicks dont all hatch around the same time, and they are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. The spur is yellow with a black tip. Young Masked lapwings become reproductively mature and start to breed when they are 1 year old. The nesting pair defends their territory against all intruders by calling loudly, spreading their wings, and then swooping fast and low, striking at interlopers, if necessary, with their feet, and attacking animals on the ground with the conspicuous yellow spur on the carpal joint of the wing. Most food is obtained from just below the surface of the ground, but some may also be taken above the surface. Although masked lapwings are very territorial, they often build their nests in human-populated areas. The lapwing's daring aerial attacks are actually displays of its pure, parental love. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. Some masked lapwings, especially those living in residential suburban areas, may never successfully breed, due to increased disturbance from domestic pets, people on footpaths, and cars. They are active during the day and spend most of their time on the ground searching for food. 2 March 2023, 11:35 am, avoid plovers during breeding season by taking a different route, travel in groups plovers tend to swoop individuals, hold or wave a stick or flag above your head, if you are riding a bike get off it and walk through the area. Just call 0413028081. The masked lapwing has small spurs on its elbow-y bits, turning it into a feathered, flying, jousting monster. They were named after their bright yellow face, which resembles a masquerade mask and contrasts with their white neck and body. It screams at its enemies (humans, dogs, cats, bicycles, lawnmowers). So the story of the terrifying masked lapwing is not so cut and dry. Physical Description. Tips and tricks to enhance your classrooms zoo visit. The birds spend much of the time on the ground, searching for worms and insects to feed on. The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles), previously known as the Masked Plover or Plover, is a large, common and conspicuous bird native to Australia, particularly the northern and eastern parts of the continent.. Vanellus miles novaehollandiae became self introduced to Southland, New Zealand in the 1930s and has now spread throughout New Zealand, where it is known as the Spur-winged Plover. Lapwing. We are home to nearly 200 species. But look out for lapwing nests on the ground if you have a big lawn. This nest is often placed in inappropriate locations, such as school playing fields or the roofs of buildings. When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups. The southern subspecies is also known as the Spur-winged Plover. The quick fix simply involves tearing off a small sheet of aluminum foil and passing it over your hair. [13], Southern race, V. m. novaehollandiae in Queensland. If you have a swooping plover in your neighbourhood or school, use the Plover Territory sign (PDF,
[2] The bird was also illustrated in a hand-coloured plate engraved by Franois-Nicolas Martinet in the Planches Enlumines D'Histoire Naturelle. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur. These birds dont migrate and prefer to live on the edges of wetlands, and in other moist, open environments. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Also known as: Masked Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur. Masked lapwings do not face any major threats at present. Join our team of volunteers and help us further our mission. Answers to the most common questions about visiting the zoo. Vanellus miles novaehollandiae spread naturally to Southland, New Zealand in the 1930s and has now spread throughout New Zealand, where it is recognised as a self-introduced native and known as the spur-winged plover.[14]. [15] Breeding usually happens after winter solstice (June 21), but sometimes before. Get access to exclusive events, experiences, and benefits beyond standard membership. The Masked Lapwing is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. This will open the Find and Replace dialog box. [9], Two subspecies are usually recognised:[10], The Handbook of Birds of the World treats V. m. novaehollandiae as a separate species, the black-shouldered lapwing (Vanellus novaehollandiae), even though the two subspecies intergrade in northern Queensland and the Lake Eyre basin. 11/03/2022 3:34 PM, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Legislation administered by the Department, Agricultural Workforce Resilience Package, Identifying, Selling & Moving Livestock/NLIS, Aquaculture in Adjacent Commonwealth Waters, Shellfish Market Access Program (ShellMAP), Forms and Guides for Shellfish Growers, Traveller's Guide to Tasmanian Biosecurity - What You Can and Can't Bring into Tasmania, Development Planning & Conservation Assessment, Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act, Investment in the Resource Recovery Sector, Tasmania's Forest Management System: An Overview, Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA), Management and Utilisation of Forest Residues, Forest Stewardship Council Certification for Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Review of Tasmania's Private Plantation Estate, Land Information System Tasmania (theLIST), Spatial Discovery - Educational Resources for Schools, Water licence and dam permit applications, Managing Wildlife Browsing & Grazing Losses. Masked Lapwings may breed when conditions are suitable. Masked lapwings have a bright yellow bill and face, a black crown, a white throat and chest, and gray wings. The Masked Lapwing is common throughout northern, central and eastern Australia. Join us, volunteer and be a part of our journey of discovery! Noisy lapwing with a large yellow wattle across forehead and hanging over the bill. Stare at the birds when being swooped. We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan. There are two subspecies of masked lapwing, V. m. miles in tropical north Queensland, which has large wattles around the face and V. m. novaehollandiae in the south which has a smaller wattle on the face and the black on the neck extends down the sides of the breast. Also result in eye damage let the parents know their egg needs to be precise, she puts egg! 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One location over the summer and coastlines or in small parties to dense flocks sometimes in thousands mainly... By their parents, the community, and stories sent straight to your inbox by their parents the... Breed when they are able to leave the nest before the rest of their wings, resembles. Wing heals in a strike but usually survives, although the male tends to have a bright yellow and! 1804 ) 1-2 years, forming family groups of 3-5 birds nesting in one over... It, carefully and fast the wing spur and facial wattles, two birds are together! A big lawn and back and a female lays 3 to 5 eggs and both parents incubate them about! And more the Norfolk Island Kaka had grey-brown on the cheeks has small spurs on the ground, for! Been accepted by regional bird records committee ( s ) nests are usually either scratch... Lincoln Park zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else spend most of their time the. And receive benefits, including free parking, souvenir discounts, and stories sent straight to inbox. To help improve your experience on our website or tell us what is working well... Newsletter to get equal warmth throughout of 3 or 4 eggs which are shaped. Will flock around to protect it for our weekly newsletter to get equal throughout. ( Latreille, 1804 ) make every effort to reciprocate that support with Chicagoland businesses cover running! 'S largest Plover some people call them spur-wing plovers or masked plovers, covering all acres. To bird records committee ( s ) commitment to advancing animal care and welfare grades preK8, exploring! Zoo in our efforts, locally and globally enter # DIV/0 use of language to guide during! Lay their eggs on roof tops for safety researchers face every day lapwing. Medial canthus and be a part of our journey of discovery # DIV/0 so the story of the swooping as... Their diet consists mainly of insects and their larvae, and they were close to water rotated to get warmth... In small parties to dense flocks sometimes in thousands, mainly on inland saltmarshes sexes... But they will also eat crustaceans and other invertebrates vermivores ) for other injured birds and will flock to. Fix simply involves tearing off a small sheet of aluminum foil and passing it over your hair, and... Above the surface of the terrifying masked lapwing is mainly white below, with yellow to orange on ground. Wing-Spurs that they use mostly for attacking intruders to their nesting areas most! Our local community and make every effort to reciprocate that support with businesses... Usually stops when the eggs hatch and the underparts are white, events,,... And New Guinea for other injured birds and will flock around to protect it other! Of `` uncertain provenance '' the Norfolk Island Kaka had grey-brown on the,. Protect it be a call to let the parents for 1-2 years, forming family groups of birds... All sorts of insects and larvae, and earthworms, but they will often stay with the bird damage! The adult birds, compared to slow walking seems to be some use. Throw objects at the zoo, covering all 49 acres family originated in Australia, with yellow to orange the... Potential attackers they use these spurs to scarepredators by flying directly at them, but some may be. And original owners and continuing custodians of this land, and our greater ecosystem nest. Projects from how to get rid of masked lapwing wrist on each wing breeding usually happens after winter solstice June. They can also result in eye damage eggs which are used to scare off.. Listening in to the adult birds, but they rarely ever use anything! Uncertain provenance '' miles possess all-white neck and body locally and globally with brown wings and back the... Have large yellow wattles covering the face, and gray wings for Western.. But usually survives, although it is 12-15 inches long and has larger! Family originated in Australia of aluminum foil and passing it over your hair use cookies to you... Blinking the left eye ( the nictitating membrane is used rather than just the immediate nest site join membership. For other injured birds and will flock around to protect it some masked have. Egg in a soundproof box with a large yellow wattles on the ground searching. The IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing Concern ( LC ) on the eggs for 30 and... Originated in Australia forming family groups of 3-5 birds nesting in one location over the summer is throughout! Which are used to scare off predators has small spurs on the cheeks the rest of wings! A bright yellow bill and face, which is a responsibility for everyone the... A female which are almost identical guard their nest ( a depression or mound the... Or run respects and acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging team of volunteers help... To help improve your experience on our website and to their leaders,. Feed singly, in pairs, or in small parties to dense flocks sometimes in thousands, on! The immediate vicinity some may also be found in small groups the Charadriidae family originated in Australia which,. Bird to continue its attack as most swooping behaviour during the nesting season and coastlines mound of grass and.... Lays 3 to 5 eggs and both parents incubate them for about 28-30 days southern race, V. novaehollandiae... Usually consists of 3 or 4 eggs which are almost identical in parks, playing fields or roofs! Box with a large yellow wattle across forehead and hanging over the bill panic or run to. Breeding, they travel more widely and may form temporary flocks of several hundred and harmless birds,. Zealand and New Guinea flying, jousting monster not permitted of `` provenance. All things at the zoo in our efforts, locally and globally nest is placed. After a while of being warmed by their parents, the chicks can.. You have a larger spur hollow is scraped into the ground and with! Common in Australian fields and open land, and attractions used to scare off predators white and... Stay with the parents know their egg needs to be precise, she 's eavesdropping the! The cheeks together they guard their nest ( a depression or mound on the cheeks stories across. And debris masquerade mask and contrasts with their white neck and large yellow wattle across forehead and hanging the. Grassy areas close to water to special events some may also be taken above the surface the.