Yellow-wattled Lapwing

Overview

The Vanellus malabaricus, or yellow-wattled lapwing, is a medium-sized wader endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is a ground bird that favours dry, open habitats across the region.

Identification

• Medium-sized pale brown bird with a black crown separated by a narrow white band from the brown neck.
• Large yellow facial wattles at the base of the bill, which is yellow at the base.
• Dull grey-brown plumage with a white belly separated from the breast by a blackish line, and a white wingbar.
• Sharp 'tchee-it' call.

Habitat

Found in dry stony and open grassland or scrub habitats across most parts of India, as well as parts of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It prefers drier environments than the red-wattled lapwing and makes seasonal movements in response to monsoons.

Diet

Feeds on beetles, termites, and other invertebrates picked from the ground.

Did you know?

Parents practise 'belly soaking' by visiting water sources to wet their breast feathers, which they then use to cool their eggs or chicks.