Southern Lapwing Chick song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Southern Lapwing Chick, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Chicks do not sing. Adults have a distinctive, loud, and often repeated 'keek-keek-keek' or 'did-you-do-it' call, which serves as both a territorial display and an alarm call.

Calls

Chicks emit soft peeping or chirping sounds to communicate with parents or when distressed. Adults have a variety of calls, most notably the harsh, metallic 'ter-teer-teer' or 'que-que-que' alarm calls, often given in flight or when disturbed.

When they vocalize

Chicks vocalize intermittently when communicating with parents or when in distress. Adults are vocal throughout the day, especially when disturbed or during territorial disputes.

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