Large and robust Andean plover, 32–33 cm in length, with a silhouette similar to the well-known Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis). Head, neck, and chest uniform ash-gray, contrasting with the white belly separated by a fine dark line. Back brown with greenish and purplish iridescence on the wings. In flight, wings show strong contrast: upper coverts grayish, secondaries white forming a broad wing panel, and primaries black; tail mostly white with a black subterminal band. Bill pink with a black tip. Legs pink and eyes reddish. Shows small spurs on the wings. Sexes similar. Juvenile duller, with browner tones and slightly mottled chest. In some areas it may coexist with the Southern Lapwing, from which it differs by its smaller size, warmer tones, and by lacking the marked black pattern on face, neck, and chest. It also lacks the characteristic crest of that species.
Distribution: Distributed along the Andes, from southern Colombia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. In Argentina it occurs in the northwestern Andean region, mainly in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, with records also in La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza. It performs altitudinal movements, descending to lower elevations during winter.
Habitat: Inhabits high-Andean steppes and grasslands, generally associated with water bodies such as wet meadows, bofedales, lagoons, and rivers. Also uses stony slopes and, occasionally, modified areas. Found between 2,700 and 5,000 m a.s.l.
Behavior: Usually in pairs or small family groups. Territorial and very vigilant, acting as a sentinel in open environments. Rather cautious in habits: prefers to run rather than fly. Frequently vocal. When disturbed, emits calls similar to those of the Southern Lapwing, but higher-pitched, finer, and more metallic.
Feeding: Feeds mainly on arthropods captured on the ground. Forages by walking in open areas, pecking constantly, often near water or on moist soils.
Breeding: Nests on the ground, in a shallow depression barely lined with plant material. Clutch of 3 to 4 eggs. Breeds mainly between October and December. Chicks are precocial and remain under adult supervision.
Conservation status: In Argentina it is categorized as Not Threatened (NA) and globally as Least Concern (LC). Although it may be locally common, its distribution is somewhat fragmented and depends on relatively well-preserved high-Andean environments.
Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026