How to identify the Southern Lapwing Chick

To correctly identify the Southern Lapwing Chick (Vanellus chilensis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

Approximately 10-15 cm (at hatching)

Wingspan

Not applicable for chicks (wings are undeveloped)

Weight

Approximately 20-30 g (at hatching)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Chicks are covered in dense, soft down. The dorsal side is typically mottled with shades of buff, brown, and black, providing excellent camouflage. The ventral side is usually paler, often whitish or light buff. They often have a dark stripe running from the crown down the back, and sometimes a dark eye-stripe.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, straight, and dark grey to black, proportionally smaller than adults.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, relatively large for their head size.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pale grey to yellowish-grey, becoming darker and reddish-pink in adults.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Cryptic downy plumage, relatively long legs for a chick, and a small, dark bill. They lack the prominent crest and facial markings of adults, as well as the carpal spurs.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   After the downy chick stage, juveniles develop a plumage similar to adults but duller, with less defined markings, a shorter crest, and often lacking the prominent carpal spurs or having them in a rudimentary form. The black areas of the adult plumage are often replaced by dusky brown in juveniles.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No seasonal plumage changes in chicks; their plumage is solely for camouflage during their vulnerable early life stage.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Not discernible in chicks.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Very small, downy, and round-bodied with relatively long legs for its size. Lacks the adult's prominent crest and carpal spurs.
• Plumage. Cryptic mottled brown, buff, and black down on the back, with a paler belly. This camouflage makes them very difficult to spot against the ground.
• Behavior. Often seen scurrying quickly through short grass, staying close to adult Southern Lapwings who are usually very vocal and aggressive in their defense. They will freeze in place when alarmed.
• Location. Found on open ground, often in pastures, fields, or lawns, always accompanied by at least one adult.

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