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Red-wattled Lapwing Habitat & Range Across South Asia


Red-wattled Lapwing










Discover where the Red-wattled Lapwing lives, its preferred habitats, and its distribution across South Asia’s diverse landscapes. A birdwatcher’s guide to spotting this striking species.

Introduction

With its loud, piercing calls and striking red facial wattles, the Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is one of South Asia’s most familiar and fascinating birds. Known locally by various names and celebrated in folklore, this lapwing thrives in diverse landscapes across the region. But where exactly does it live? Let’s dive into the habitat and range of the Red-wattled Lapwing across South Asia.

Broad Geographic Range

The Red-wattled Lapwing has an extensive range across South Asia and parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In South Asia, it is found in:

  • India (widely distributed in all states, from plains to lower hills)

  • Bangladesh (common across wetlands and agricultural fields)

  • Pakistan (frequent in both irrigated areas and semi-deserts)

  • Nepal (present up to about 1,500 meters in elevation)

  • Sri Lanka (widely found throughout the island)

  • Bhutan (mainly in lowland river valleys)

  • Parts of Myanmar and southern Afghanistan

Unlike migratory species, the Red-wattled Lapwing is largely resident throughout its range, although some local movements occur in response to rainfall and water availability.

Preferred Habitats

One of the reasons the Red-wattled Lapwing is so widespread is its adaptability. It occupies a variety of open habitats, such as:

1. Wetlands

  • Marshes, ponds, and lakes

  • Riverbanks and irrigation canals

  • Flooded agricultural fields

These areas provide abundant insect life and open ground for foraging and nesting.

2. Grasslands & Open Fields

  • Dry scrublands

  • Agricultural lands, particularly rice paddies

  • Golf courses and parklands

Lapwings often thrive alongside human activity, even nesting close to roads, villages, and fields.

3. Semi-arid and Arid Regions

  • Sandy riverbeds

  • Dry plains and semi-desert habitats, particularly in Pakistan and northwestern India

Despite the arid conditions, they locate small water sources or seasonal pools.

Altitudinal Range

The Red-wattled Lapwing generally prefers lowland areas but is known to occur up to about 1,500 meters above sea level, especially along river valleys and plateaus. In the Himalayan foothills, it’s found along rivers and in cultivated terraces.

Adaptability to Human Environments

Unlike many shy wetland birds, Red-wattled Lapwings often thrive in human-altered landscapes:

  • Nesting on flat rooftops in urban areas

  • Foraging along roadsides and highways

  • Frequenting parks and urban water bodies

This adaptability explains their abundance in cities and villages, where their loud cries are a familiar sound.

Seasonal Movements

Though largely sedentary, some local movements occur:

  • In dry seasons, lapwings may move toward permanent water bodies

  • During monsoons, they spread into temporary wetlands and agricultural fields

  • Partial movements to lower altitudes in colder months in the Himalayan foothills

However, these movements are local rather than true long-distance migrations.

Conservation Status

The Red-wattled Lapwing is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, habitat loss, wetland degradation, and pesticide use in agricultural areas pose threats to local populations.

Best Places to Spot Them in South Asia

Top birdwatching hotspots include:

  • Keoladeo National Park, India

  • Sundarbans mangrove areas, India & Bangladesh

  • Hlawga National Park, Myanmar

  • Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

  • Riverbanks across Punjab and Sindh, Pakistan

Even outside protected areas, they’re easy to spot due to their loud calls and conspicuous behavior.

Conclusion

From shimmering wetlands to dusty plains, the Red-wattled Lapwing has carved a niche across South Asia’s diverse landscapes. Their adaptability, striking appearance, and distinctive calls make them a beloved and easily recognized bird for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. So, next time you’re exploring the countryside—or even a city park—keep your eyes and ears open for the unmistakable cry of this elegant wetland sentinel.

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