BEWARE of a masked avenger that is exacting vengeance upon unsuspecting Far North Queenslanders who venture into its territory.

The masked lapwing, also known as the plover, has started nesting across the region, making the most of the warm, wet weather.

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Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife chief executive Susanna Bradshaw warned residents to keep an eye out for the black and white bird, with its yellow-veiled face.

media_camera TAKE COVER: A Darwin pedestrian arms himself with a stone in case an agitated masked lapwing (commonly called a plover) turns on them.

Ms Bradshaw said the plover was a very protective parent who was not afraid to chase away animals and people it saw as a threat to its young.

She said the birds were expected to start nesting, increasing their defensive behaviour.

“There will be more swooping at park visitors and making a racket if you get too close to their nest or babies,” she said.

“But you’ll be pleased to know that they rarely make contact with you – it’s all just a part of their performance.”

People have been advised to vary their walking routes to avoid lapwing nests for the next few weeks, as the birds only swoop before they lay their eggs and after their chicks have grown enough.

The rest of the time, they are quite shy. Also do not run away in a panic as this could encourage the bird to give chase.

Ms Bradshaw said residents should also keep cats indoors as much as possible, and to

train their dogs to keep a safe distance from the birds and their nests.

She said lapwings had daunting looking spurs on their wings, which people often mistook for poison spurs or dangerous armour.

“The damage that the masked lapwing would receive to their own wings if they tried to use the spurs shows that they are, in fact, just for show,’’ she said.

“When chasing away an intruder or flying around at night, you’re sure to recognise the distinctive and haunting ‘kekekekek’ calls that the lapwing makes.

“Masked lapwings are a part of life in Australia.

“They are beautiful, interesting creatures in their own right and they should be admired for their courage.”