Vanellus miles

The plover soldier ( Vanellus miles ) is a species of plover found in Australia. It was introduced of itself in New Zealand into the years 1930 and in New Caledonia.

Subspecies

Vanellus miles miles lives in the North of Australia; it has the white neck and of yellow greater duodenal papillas.
Vanellus miles novaehollandiae saw daN Is and the South; it has a black band at the base of the neck and minor duodenal papillas.

Description

It is 38 cm long; the body is white, the wings and the maroon back and the black top of the head. The nozzle and a mask covering the face is yellow. The two sexes are similar.

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic in Indonesia, in New Guinea and in Australia where one finds it in north, is and the south. He lives in the marshes, the beaches and the meadows, close to the water points where food is abundant. One often meets it in the urban areas and it with the bad reputation to make his nest on the sports grounds.

Food

It nourishes insects, of ground worms and other small invertebrates.

Lifestyle

It is a bird which lives on the ground. He only saw, in couple or small groups.

Reproduction

The reproduction is made when the circumstances are favorable (generally after the rain season). The two parents build a grass nest and branches on the ground where the female lays 3 to 5 eggs. The parents defend their nest either by the force, while plunging on an intruder to frighten it, or by the trick, while pretending to be wounded to move away the threat.

Gallery

Random links: