River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii)

River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) – A Detailed Analysis

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Charadriidae
• Genus: Vanellus
• Species: V. duvaucelii

The River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii), a striking wader, belongs to the Charadriidae family, which includes lapwings and plovers. This species was named in honor of Alfred Duvaucel, a French naturalist who extensively studied South Asian wildlife.

Morphology & Identification

• Size: Medium-sized bird, approximately 29–32 cm (11–12.5 inches) long.
• Plumage: Distinguished by contrasting black and white patterns.
  • The head, crown, throat, and upper breast are black.
  • The underparts and back are pale sandy-brown.
  • The wings are grayish-brown with black-tipped primaries.
• Legs: Long and pale gray, suited for wading in shallow waters.
• Bill: Short, pointed, and black, adapted for feeding on small invertebrates.
• Eyes: Dark, alert, and well-adapted for spotting prey.

One of the key identifying features of the River Lapwing is its unique head pattern and distinctive flight style, which consists of slow, deep wingbeats.

Habitat & Distribution

• Found across South Asia, mainly in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Prefers freshwater ecosystems, particularly:
  • Riverbanks
  • Lakeshores
  • Sandbars
  • Marshes & Wetlands

This bird is commonly found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. However, habitat destruction and human disturbances threaten its population.

Diet & Feeding Behavior

• The River Lapwing is primarily insectivorous, feeding on:
  • Insects (beetles, grasshoppers, and ants)
  • Mollusks & Worms
  • Small Crustaceans
  • Occasionally small seeds and plant matter

It uses a foraging technique where it pauses, watches keenly, and then swiftly picks prey from the ground or water surface.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding season: March to June (varies regionally).
• Nesting sites: Prefer open gravelly or sandy riverbanks, often exposed to reduce predation.
• Nest type: Simple shallow scrapes in the ground, lined with small pebbles or dry grass.
• Eggs: Typically 2–4 speckled eggs, camouflaged with surroundings.
• Parental care: Both male and female share incubation and chick-rearing duties. The young are precocial, meaning they hatch with down feathers and are capable of movement shortly after birth.

Special Features & Adaptations

1. Camouflaged Nesting: Their ground nests blend well with riverine substrates, reducing predation risk.
2. Alarm Call & Defense Mechanism: Loud, sharp alarm calls warn against intruders. If threatened, they may perform a “broken wing display” to lure predators away from the nest.
3. Territorial Nature: They aggressively defend their nesting areas, especially during breeding.
4. Migratory & Sedentary Populations: Some populations are resident, while others migrate short distances in response to water level changes.

Presence of River Lapwing in Sundarban

The Sundarban, the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, is not a primary habitat for the River Lapwing due to its saline water conditions and dense mangrove vegetation. However, occasional sightings have been reported in adjacent riverbanks and estuarine regions, particularly in areas with:

• Sandbanks or mudflats along the rivers
• Freshwater-influenced zones on the outskirts of the mangrove forests

In the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, this species is not as common as other waders like sandpipers, plovers, and terns, but it can be spotted near brackish water regions where freshwater meets tidal rivers.

Threats in Sundarban & Conservation Status

• Habitat loss due to river erosion and human activity.
• Disturbances from fishing activities along riverbanks.
• Climate change and rising sea levels, altering suitable foraging grounds.

Despite these threats, the River Lapwing is currently classified as “Near Threatened” (NT) by the IUCN Red List due to its declining population across South Asia. Protection of riverine ecosystems, controlled human activity, and habitat conservation programs are essential for its survival.

Conclusion

The River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) is a fascinating bird, well-adapted to freshwater riverbanks but facing increasing challenges due to habitat degradation. While it is not a core species of the Sundarban, its presence in nearby riverine areas adds to the region’s avian biodiversity. Conservation efforts focusing on river ecosystems can help ensure that this beautiful species continues to thrive in its natural habitats.