Malagasy lapwing explained

The Malagasy lapwing (Vanellus madagascariensis) is an extinct type of wader/shorebird, in the lapwing family.

Evidence of existence

It is known only from two subfossil humeri, found in separate locales in south-western Madagascar, which were described by Steven M. Goodman.

The species is notable for the huge carpal spurs that it sported on its wings, the largest spurs of any lapwing species both in relative and absolute size.^[1]

Estimated time of extinction

Radiocarbon dating has indicated that the species became extinct in the 14th century, during a period of climatic aridification.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Goodman . Steven M. . Rasolonjatovo . Harimanjaka A. M. . 2024-08-01 . Description of the wing spur in the subfossil Malagasy lapwing, Vanellus madagascariensis (Aves: Charadriiformes, Charadriidae): Insights into some of its possible life history traits and why it is extinct . Geobios . 85 . 19–24 . 10.1016/j.geobios.2024.02.002 . 0016-6995. free .
2. Book: Extinct Birds . Hume, Julian P . Walters, Michael . 2012 . Poyser Monographs. A&C Black . 9781408158623 . 125 .