Skip to main content

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

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

2. Grasslands & Open Fields

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

3. Semi-arid and Arid Regions

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:

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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian Subcontinent: A Complete Guide

Discover everything about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian subcontinent -habitat, behavior, diet, breeding, and how to attract them to your garden The Eurasian Collared Dove ( Streptopelia decaocto ) is one of the most graceful and recognizable birds found across the Indian subcontinent. With its soft cooing, elegant pale feathers, and distinctive black “collar,” this dove has become a familiar sight in urban, rural, and semi-wild areas. Though native to parts of Asia and Europe, this species has expanded its range dramatically in recent decades. In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about the Eurasian Collared Dove in the Indian context — from identification and behavior to habitat, feeding habits, and conservation status. Eurasian collared dove Appearance and Identification The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, about 32–34 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 47–55 cm . Its most distinguishing feature is the narrow black cresc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Common starling(Sturnus vulgaris)

Explore the life of the Common Starling in the Indian subcontinent .common starling scientific name is  Sturnus vulgaris . Learn about its behavior, diet, migration, habitat, and ecological impact. Introduction The Common Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ), also known simply as the European Starling , is one of the most adaptable and widespread birds in the world. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, this bird has now established populations in many parts of the globe, including the Indian subcontinent . Known for its iridescent plumage, synchronized flocking behavior ( murmurations ), and impressive vocal mimicry, the Common Starling is a bird that fascinates bird watchers and ornithologists alike. In the Indian subcontinent, especially during the winter months, large flocks of starlings can be seen foraging in fields and roosting in urban trees. This blog explores the habitat, behavior, feeding patterns, seasonal presence, and ecological role of the Common Starling in t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top Migratory Birds of India

Discover the incredible  migratory birds in India  every winter—from flamingos to cranes and geese. Explore top birding locations and migration facts. India is one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory birds from across the world. Each year, as temperatures plummet in Central Asia, Europe, and the Arctic, thousands of birds undertake incredible journeys to reach India’s warmer wetlands, coasts, forests, and lakes. These annual migrations not only bring new life to Indian landscapes but also offer a thrilling experience for birdwatchers. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most remarkable migratory bird species that visit India during the winter months, their migratory paths, key habitats, and how to spot them. Why Birds Migrate to India in Winter Birds migrate for two main reasons: to escape freezing temperatures and to find food. India’s diverse ecosystems—from wetlands and grasslands to forests and coasts—provide ideal stopovers and wintering grounds ...
Post a Comment
Read more