Foraging behavior in river lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii (Lesson, 1826) (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae): Differences in technique, prey, and habitat

Abstract

A total of 415 individuals of river lapwing were counted in four habitats namely open, unvegetated river bank, vegetated river bank, river island and crop field, whereas foraging behavior was observed by focal observation. River lapwings used walk-halt-peck technique most frequently throughout the year in all the four habitats. Our study suggested that foraging techniques in all the four habitats were non-significant whereas foraging success varied significantly (p=0.049, df = 3). During summer, the feeding rate was significantly different (p˂< 0.0001, F = 12.43, df = 2) at open, unvegetated, river bank from other habitats. Moreover, foraging success rate was observed to be varied significantly (p < 0.0001, F =13.52, df = 2) in all the seasons and across all the habitats. The present study suggests that open, unvegetated river bank was most preferred habitat since foraging success was significantly different in this habitat.