Queltehue

Southern lapwing

Vanellus chilensis chilensis (Molina)

Length: 36 – 37 cms.

Head and neck grey; forehead, throat and breast black, both colors separated by white feathers. Black back with a metallic red brown sheen. Grey wing coverts with iridescent sheen. Black primaries and secondaries separated from the coverts by a white band which is noticeable when the wings are open. Red spurs in the elbow of each wing. Abdomen, flanks and underwings white. Basal half of tail white, and the exterior half black. Red beak with black tip. Ted feet. Red eyes.