Red-wattled Lapwing

Red-wattled Lapwing

Scientific Name: Vanellus indicus

Malay Name: Ceriwit Duit-duit

Chinese Name: 肉垂麦鸡

Range: Widespread. Turkey, Iraq, Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Indian subcontinent, South-west China and throughout South-east Asia.

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: aigneri, indicus, lankae, atronuchalis.

Local Subspecies: atronuchalis

Size: 31.5-35 cm

Identification: Black head and upper breast, red-bill with black tip, red facial skin, and white patch on ear coverts. Sandy greyish-brown upperparts with narrow white band across mantle, white underparts and long yellow legs.

Similar looking species: Grey-headed Lapwing

Habitat: Marshes, cultivated land, grassland, wasteland, margin of lakes, ponds and large rivers.

Behaviour/Ecology: Usually found in pairs or family parties. Sharp, incessant vocalization when alarmed.

Local Status: Common resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

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References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Vanellus indicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22694013A89569039.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

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