 |
| Red-wattled Lapwing |
How to identify Red-wattled lapwing
The red-wattled lapwing (Scientific Name-
Vanellus indicusis) is an Asian lapwing or large plover about 35 cm (14 in) long belongs to the family
Charadriidae. A distinctly marked lapwing with a black breast and throat and a red bill with a black tip.It has black head and neck, and a crimson fleshy wattle in front of each eye. It also has a broad white band from behind eyes running down along the sides of neck to meet the white underparts. While it flies, the black flight feathers contrast with the white wing patch. Both the sexes are looks similar.
 |
| Eggs of Red-wattled Lapwing |
Habits and habitats
Usually found in small groups around water bodies, agricultural fields, dry land or dry beds of tanks and puddles. It can also be seen in forest glades around rain filled depression. It runs about in short spurts and dips forward obliquely to pick up food in the typical plover manner. It feed on insects, grubs, molluscs etc. The red-wattled lapwing known for its characteristics loud alarm call, often compared to the words “
Did we do it?”
Breeding and nesting
The breeding season is mainly March to August. During courtship the male puffs its feathers and point its beak upwards. The male then shuffles around the female. About 3–4 eggs are laid in a ground scrape or depression sometimes fringed with pebbles. Its eggs are stony coloured or greyish brown with blackish blotches and have a peg-topped shape. Nests are difficult to find since the eggs are camouflagely coloured and usually matches the ground pattern. In residential areas, they sometimes take to nesting on roof-tops. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and divert predators using distraction displays or flash their wings to deter any herbivores that threaten the nest. Males appear to relieve females incubating at the nest particularly towards the hot part of noon. The eggs hatch in 28 to 30 days.
Next :
Painted Storks
No comments