Spur-winged Lapwing

(Spur Winged Plover)

The Spur winged Lapwing is very common on Flinders Island, They can be seen nesting in the paddocks close to a lot of the roads. These birds are one of the wariest birds and will defend their nest sites and their young against all types of predators.

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They use a lot of different strategies to protect their nest and young, starting with well camouflaged eggs and young. They will also try and decoy predators away from their young with the wounded bird tactic. The most notable defence is the spurs on either wing of the plover they will try and dive bomb any predator that gets too close to their young.

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Plovers nest on the Island during the winter months and can be seen nesting very close to the roadside and their young are often seen on the road.

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