Masked Lapwing on one leg

The Masked Lapwing, loved and hated at the same time.
This medium sized bird is often referred to as a Plover, but it actually belongs to another family, but closely related to the Plover.
As a rule they are innocuous, but in breeding season they become aggressive protectors of their ground based nests, swooping on intruders and often working in pairs. And if their beaks are not enough they have a forward facing spur on the "wrist" of each wing that can cause a nasty laceration to arms, face or scalp.
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