Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) – A Comprehensive Overview

The Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is a striking and easily recognizable bird species found across South Asia, including the Sundarban region. Known for its loud calls, often described as a “did-he-do-it” sound, this bird is an important part of wetland ecosystems. Below is a detailed analysis of its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, behavior, and presence in the Sundarban.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Charadriidae
• Genus: Vanellus
• Species: Vanellus indicus

The Red-wattled Lapwing belongs to the Charadriidae family, which consists of plovers and lapwings. This species is a close relative of other lapwings found across different continents.

Morphology and Identification

The Red-wattled Lapwing is a medium-sized wader with distinct physical features:

Size and Body Structure

• Length: 30–35 cm
• Wingspan: 75–85 cm
• Weight: 180–260 grams

Coloration and Markings

• Head and Neck: Black
• Upperparts: Brownish with a white belly
• Underparts: White, with a contrasting black neck and upper chest
• Legs: Long, yellow, and adapted for wading
• Bill: Red base with a black tip
• Wattle: Bright red, located in front of the eyes, distinguishing it from other lapwings
• Eye Color: Dark brown

Habitat and Distribution

The Red-wattled Lapwing is widely distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in open wetlands, riverbanks, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

Preferred Habitats

• Wetlands
• Riverbanks and lakeshores
• Marshes and paddy fields
• Open grasslands
• Dry scrublands near water bodies

This species is adaptable and often seen in human-altered landscapes like parks and golf courses.

Behavior and Ecology

Vocalization

The Red-wattled Lapwing is highly vocal, often giving out loud, sharp calls, especially when disturbed. The call sounds like “did-he-do-it”, which is how the bird got its name in folk culture.

Feeding Habits

• Diet: Primarily insectivorous; feeds on insects, worms, mollusks, and small crustaceans.
• Foraging Style: Actively walks on the ground, pecking at prey items.

Breeding and Nesting

• Breeding Season: Mainly March to August
• Nest Type: Simple scrape on open ground, usually near water bodies
• Eggs: 3–4 speckled eggs
• Incubation Period: Around 28 days
• Parental Care: Both parents participate in guarding the nest and chick-rearing

Defensive Behavior

This bird is known for its aggressive defense strategies, especially during the breeding season. It fakes injury to distract predators and engages in aerial mobbing to chase away intruders.

Adaptations and Special Features

1. Loud Alarm Calls

The Red-wattled Lapwing is often referred to as “the sentinel of wetlands” due to its sharp, loud calls that alert other animals to potential danger.

2. Camouflaged Eggs

The eggs resemble the ground, making them difficult for predators to spot.

3. Nesting Strategy

Unlike many birds, this species does not build elaborate nests. Instead, it relies on its camouflage and aggressive defense to protect its eggs.

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, the world’s largest mangrove forest, provides a suitable habitat for the Red-wattled Lapwing due to its intertidal mudflats, riverbanks, and open wetlands.

Why is the Sundarban a Suitable Habitat?

1. Rich Wetlands: The numerous rivers, estuaries, and mudflats in the Sundarban offer ample feeding grounds.
2. Diverse Insect Population: The abundance of small invertebrates supports the bird’s diet.
3. Open Nesting Sites: Sandy banks and dry patches provide suitable nesting grounds.

Observations in the Sundarban

• The Red-wattled Lapwing is commonly spotted near tidal mudflats, riverbanks, and agricultural lands bordering the Sundarban.
• It often shares habitats with other wetland birds, such as herons, egrets, and plovers.
• The presence of predators like monitor lizards, jackals, and raptors makes its defensive strategies crucial for survival.

Threats in the Sundarban

1. Habitat Destruction: Rising sea levels and mangrove degradation pose a threat.
2. Disturbance from Human Activities: Increased boat traffic and fishing disrupt nesting sites.
3. Predation: Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to snakes, crabs, and carnivorous birds.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
• Conservation Measures:
  • Protection of wetland ecosystems in the Sundarban
  • Awareness campaigns to minimize human disturbance
  • Monitoring of breeding success

Conclusion

The Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is an important indicator species of wetland health. In the Sundarban, its presence reflects the rich biodiversity of the region. Despite facing some threats, this adaptable bird continues to thrive due to its unique behaviors and survival strategies. Conservation efforts should focus on maintaining the wetland integrity of the Sundarban, ensuring that this remarkable bird continues to flourish in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.