These large spectacular lapwings were common and conspicuous in most open habitat. We usually encountered them singly or in pairs, seldom in flocks. They have expanded their range north to Nicaragua as deforestation has created new habitat. Sexes are alike. It is a cooperative breeder, but the dynamics of their breeding system remains unknown. Chiloé Island is the southern limit of the nominate race which is replaced by the somewhat smaller V. c. fretensis to the south. Fretensis is recognized by IOC, HBW and Clements, but submerged with nominate by Howard & Moore. The nominate race features a black face patch, framed by white. Other races such as V. c. lampronotus seen here have an incomplete white frame. These other races are sometimes split as Cayenne Lapwing (Vanellus cayennensis). Formerly placed in the monotypic genus Belonopterus.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)