Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions

By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Masked lapwing

(Vanellus miles)

Native to Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and other surrounding islands, the Masked lapwing is a new species for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. These ground-nesters like to inhabit marshes, grasslands, beaches and have even adapted to urban areas. Their diet consists of insects, worms, spiders, seeds, mollusks and crustaceans. While foraging for bugs, Masked lapwings will use the “foottrembling” technique. Instead of searching the ground with their beaks, they stomp or tap their feet, shaking the grass, leaves and loose dirt to wake up any sleeping critters—making them easier to find. At the Emerald Forest Aviary, you might be able to easily spot these birds due to the yellow “masks” on their faces, which are part of their wattle that clearly extends past their beak. Both male and female masked lapwings have them, although the male’s may be larger. Visit the Zoo to see for yourself these peculiar yet intriguing looking birds.

Crested wood partridge

(Rollulus rouloul)

Dark, glossy feathers, witha bright red crest atop its head, the male Crested wood partridge is easily distinguishable from its female counterpart (grey head, green body and brown wings). But both are extraordinary despite their small size. Their legs may be short, but they are strong, giving them the ability to quickly walk and run over rough terrain and through tropical forests with ease. These terrestrial birds can also be found in foothills and grasslands throughout the Malay peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Mostly feeding on seeds, fruit, beetles, ants and small mollusks, Crested wood partridges have also been seen eating large fruit fragments left over from wild pigs that they normally would not be able to eat on their own when whole. Fast and resourceful, it just goes to show you should never underestimate the little guy. See the Crested wood partridge in the aviary in Elephant Plaza.

Caatinga Lancehead

(Bothrops erythromelas)

Named after the distinct shape of their heads, the Caatinga lancehead (pronounced kah-ching-uh) is endemic to northeastern Brazil. These venomous snakes can be found in different types of habitats, from dry forests to open rocky terrain. Their coloring can vary between different shades of brown with black or dark brown triangular markings alternating down the body.

Their bellies can be a yellowish tan with gray blotches on the sides. The average length for a Caatinga lancehead is between 15 and 16 inches, but the longest ever recorded was two and a half feet. To catch a glimpse of these stunning vipers, a first-time species for the Zoo, look in the exhibit windows inside the Dinosauria Entrance Building, in the Australia Loop.