Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Vanellus miles
Family: Plovers and Lapwings · Status: Uncommon introduced resident · Size: 30–37 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated
Native to northern and eastern Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea.
A large, ground-dwelling bird with a yellow bill, sandy brown upperparts, black crown, and white underparts. Large yellow wattles hang from the loral region over the bill. Yellow carpal spurs, visible in flight and sometimes at rest, give it the alternative name Spur-winged Plover. Juvenile has buff-fringed feathers on greyer upperparts, and smaller wattles and wing spurs.
Open grassy habitats near water, including golf courses, sports fields, parks, and grassy roadsides; also margins of wetlands.
Forages on the ground for insects, worms, and spiders; also uses foot-trembling to bring prey to the surface. Usually alone, in pairs, or small groups.