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: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

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Red-wattled Lapwing at Marina East Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Marina East Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Marina East Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Marina East Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Tuas Grassland. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Tuas Grassland. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Red-wattled Lapwing at Tuas South. Photo credit: Francis Yap