Malagasy lapwing (SciiFii)

The Malagasy lapwing (Vanellus madagascariensis), also known as the Madagascar lapwing or the Madagascan lapwing, is a species of wader in the lapwing subfamily native to southwestern Madagascar. The Malagasy lapwing was once extinct since the 14th century as a result of the climatic aridification, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and, once its natural habitat was recreated, reintroduced to the species' former range to help boost biodiversity. The black breast band separates the Malagasy lapwing's grey head and neck from the white neck and underside. The wing coverts are brown. It has a variable but prominent white forehead and chin patch similar to its near relatives, including the similarly-sized black-winged lapwing, but in contrast shows a more prominent white wingbar in flight, bordered by thicker black remiges. It is a habitat specialist of short grass in well-watered grasslands and woodlands. Malagasy lapwings hunt beetles, ants, and termites on the ground, which constitutes a large part of their diet. In captivity, they prefer earthworms and mealworms. Feeding territories of smaller than one hectare are defended by small groups of these birds. Newly found territories are most aggressively defended through vocal and visual threat displays or aerial mobbing. Large groups however form non-territorial flocks when ample habitat is found. The leg colour within the species brightens during the spring breeding season, when the birds sometimes move to higher elevations. Males show mutual aggression at this time and establish territories by calling and display flights which may include exaggerated wing beats. A receptive female will follow the male in flight and copulation may follow soon after. The top of a slope in grasslands and hilly environments is a favourite location for nesting. The eggs are fairly large and dark in colour. Incubation starts when the clutch of usually 3 is complete. The adults relay one another in shifts of about 90 minutes. Insulating nest lining is added periodically to the well-lined nest until the eggs are half buried. The young hatch in just under a month and require about another month to become self-sufficient. The conservation status of the Malagasy lapwing is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the species' wide range.