Vanellus Indicus Research Articles

Red-Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus): A Traditional Rain Forecaster for Tribal Farmers of Southwestern Rajasthan

Abstract An intensive survey was carried out over the past 8 years in tribal-dominated areas of southwestern Rajasthan to document red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) behavior as a rain forecaster, relevant to farm planning and better crop production. The present study included tribal farmers, agriculture scientists, extension workers, ornithologists, and farm workers. The precision of their observations was compared with a contemporaneous study of 10–15 red-wattled lapwing nests across the 46-ha operational area of the Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS) and Adaptive Trial Center (ATC), Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan (25.1526°N latitude, 73.0823°E longitude). Local knowledge was gathered through surveys and focus group discussions with the respondents to discuss lapwing behavior as a rain prediction indicator. Meteorological data were gathered from the ATC farm observatory. The findings revealed that the older tribal farmers have an assortment of knowledge about the behavior of red-wattled lapwing as rain prediction indicators such as nesting sites, egg position, egg arrangement, nesting material, numbers of eggs, and egg-laying patterns. These predictions have a direct correlation with modern meteorological observations. It was also noted that the elder tribal farmers planned their farms using lapwing indicators in order to increase crop production, whereas younger generations overlook the traditional rain prediction indicators and have significant knowledge about meteorological data-based weather forecasting. Both the elder and younger tribal farmers were equally interested in meteorological weather forecast announcements, but due to network connectivity challenges, residents in some remote places were unable to access modern meteorological information. Long-term accurate rain forecasting is needed for better agricultural planning and to secure crop production. Rain forecasting can be improved by blending modern meteorological information with traditional proven indications. Farmers who have considerable traditional knowledge along with modern technological updates are capable of using both sources of information in suitable and successful farm planning for better crop production. Significance Statement The purpose of this study is to examine red-wattled lapwing behavior as rain measurements and compare its reliability with modern rain forecasting methods. We also develop a theoretical framework for understanding traditional and modern rain forecasting methods for disaster management in remote and accessible areas, to assist resource management and to minimize costs of cultivation. Our results provide a guideline for blending both types of knowledge and for providing relevant information to remote tribal areas at appropriate times for better farm planning and crop production.

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In this study, we provide an analytical comparison combined with morphological characteristic of eggs and newly hatched precocial chicks of three lapwing species, Red–owattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783), Spur-winged Lapwing V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and White-tailed Lapwing V. leucurus (Lichtenstein, 1823) that breed in Al-Malih Wetland in Babylon Province, Middle of Iraq. Occupied nests were located during the breeding season (March–June 2023), breeding events (e.g., adult courtship, marking of the breeding territories, nest-site selection, nest building, and egg incubation) were carefully observed. A total of 48 eggs from a total of 12 lapwing nests (4 eggs for each nest, 4 nests for each species) were cautiously examined and measured. Lapwing chicks and eggs show many morphological differences. Morphometrical data were tested using ANOVA, calculating the Mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV). The mean and SD for egg length were 46.25±0.68 mm for V. indicus, 42.25±0.96 mm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and 42.28±0.67 mm for V. leucurus. The egg breadth mean and SD were 33.34±0.84 mm for V. indicus, 31.43±0.55 mm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and 31.42±0.67 mm for V. leucurus. The egg weight Mean and SD were 21.39±0.91 gm for V. indicus, 16.51±0.73 gm for V. spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758), and15.87±0.50 gm for V. leucurus. The low value of CV (≤5%) may indicate a close hereditary clan in the birds that belong to the same genus. In addition, the results indicate that there are considerable differences in the morphometrical measurement of the three species of Vanellus. Eggs, as all of these variables have ≤5% CV. Our preliminary results, which were obtained for the first time, may contribute to the conservation efforts of these wetlands-dwelling birds in Iraq.

Noise pollution does not significantly affect distributions of red-wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus and pied king-fisher Ceryle rudis in a riverine ecosystem

Noise pollution does not significantly affect distributions of red-wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus and pied king-fisher Ceryle rudis in a riverine ecosystem

Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Avifauna in District Jhang, Pakistan

The present study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 in the Thal desert and Trimmu barrage of district Jhang located in the Punjab province of Pakistan to find out the diversity, abundance, and distribution of birds. The point count method was used for the Trimmu barrage, and the line transect method was used for the collection of data in the Thal desert area. We recorded 31,696 individuals belonging to 67 species of birds from two distinct types of habitats (Thal desert and Trimmu barrage) of district Jhang. Among these species, 39 species were residents, 18 species were winter visitors, 9 species were summer breeders, and a single species (Terek sandpiper) was a passage migrant. Highly significant differences ( X 2 = 14979.7 , df = 11 , and P < 0.01 ) were observed in the abundance of birds between both habitats on every month. From the Thal desert area, 12,905 individuals belonging to 45 species were identified while 18,791 individuals from 58 bird species were observed in the Trimmu barrage, with 36 bird species among 67 species being common at both habitats. The most dominant species of the Trimmu barrage were the common pochard, little grebe, common coot, cattle egret, gadwall, little egret, red-wattled lapwing, and common teal. On the other hand, the Indian roller, common quail, cattle egret, common myna, and Indian kite were found to be the most common species in the Thal desert. The most notable feature of the present study is the identification of Xenus cinereus (Terek sandpiper) and Ammomanes phoenicura (rufous-tailed lark) in district Jhang as both species had no previous record in the study area. The Trimmu barrage was the more diverse and abundant site compared to the Thal desert as it provides both terrestrial and aquatic habitats for birds. The study determined that more varieties in the habitat and thermal changes affect the diversity, abundance, and distribution of birds.

Seasonal variation and habitat role in distribution and activity patterns of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783) (Aves: Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Red-wattled Lapwings Vanellus indicus are resident waders in Asia. They usually inhabit areas close to water and are mainly insectivorous. Their principal habitats are grasslands, wetlands, arable lands, gardens and open forests. These highly active and vocal birds are known for their wide range of distraction displays. A field investigation of distribution across different seasons and diverse habitats in Udaipur, Rajasthan was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Populations of lapwings varied significantly among locations, with the largest documented at Fateh Sagar Lake and the lowest at Rang Sagar Lake. Both habitat types and seasons (summer, monsoon and winter) had significant effects on lapwing distribution. Wetlands were the most preferred habitat at ten major study locations, and the monsoon was found to be the most favored season. Bird activity patterns did not exhibit significant variation with seasons, with locomotion, vigilance, feeding and maintenance being the most performed activities.

Diversity and abundance of aquatic birds in Koonthankulam village pond, Tamil Nadu, India

The diversity of birds in Koonthankulam pond, located in Koonthankulam village (8.495N, 77.755E), Tirunelveli district, southern Tamil Nadu, was studied. A total of 90 species belonging to 21 orders, 42 families, and 73 genera were recorded. The study recorded seasonal migrants such as Black Ibis, Oriental White Ibis, Bar-headed Goose & Spoonbill and indigenous species including the Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, White-breasted Kingfisher, Red-wattled Lapwing, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Hoopoe, and Indian Robin. The primary data were analyzed by principal component analysis, cluster, and analysis of variance. Analysis of variance showed that the Menhinick index is statistically significant P <0.05. A structural equation model was applied to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of water samples collected from the sampling site. Analysis of experimental data through the structural equation model indicates temperature and dissolved oxygen may indirectly affect bird diversity.

A study on the breeding habits of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Boddaert, 1783 (Aves: Charadriformes: Charadridae) in the agricultural landscape of Muzaffarnagar District, Uttar Pradesh, India

This study investigated the breeding biology of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus in the agricultural landscape of district Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, during three consecutive breeding sessions (2019–2021). A maximum of 25 nests and average clutch sizes of 3.64 ± 0.49 were recorded in 2021. Hatching success estimated using the Mayfield method was 55% in 2019, 64% in 2020, and 65% in 2021; values obtained using the traditional method were 42%, 58%, and 53%, respectively. During 2019 and 2021, 3.8% and 3.3% (respectively) of eggs did not successfully develop, while no hatching failures were recorded in 2020. In total, 32% of eggs were destroyed during the study period by predators (cats, dogs, and foxes), and an average of 15% of eggs were destroyed due to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices. Red-wattled Lapwings displayed cryptic behavior and active defense against predators making them a successful open nesting species.

Offspring thermal demands and parental brooding efficiency differ for precocial birds living in contrasting climates

BackgroundChicks of precocial birds hatch well-developed and can search actively for food but their homeothermy develops gradually during growth. This makes them dependent on heat provided by parents (“brooding”), which is then traded off against other activities, mainly foraging. Although brooding has been documented in many precocial birds, little is known about the differences in the amount and efficiency of brooding care, brooding diel rhythmicity, and impact on the chick’s growth, particularly between species living in different climatic conditions.ResultsWe used multisensory dataloggers to evaluate brooding patterns in two congeneric species inhabiting contrasting climate zones: temperate Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and desert Red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus). In accordance with our expectation, the adult desert lapwings brooded the chicks slightly less compared to the adult temperate lapwings. However, the desert lapwings brooded their chicks in higher ambient temperatures and less efficiently (i.e. they could not reach the same brooding temperature as the temperate lapwings), which are new and hitherto unknown brooding patterns in precocial birds. In both species, night brooding prevailed even during warm nights, suggesting a general brooding rule among birds. Although the high rates of brooding can reduce the time spent by foraging, we found no negative effect of the high brooding rate on the growth rate in either species.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the chicks of species breeding in colder climates may reduce their thermal demands, while their parents may increase the efficiency of parental brooding care. More research is however needed to confirm this as a rule across species.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Elements in the Organs of Red-Wattled Lapwing in Shadegan Wetland

Background & Aims: Heavy metals are highly stable in wetland and marine environments and can be toxic to organisms. Wetland birds play a vital role in the life cycle and food chain. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) in the organs of red-wattled lapwings in Shadegan wetland in 2019. Materials and Methods: Pb, Hg, Ni, and Cu were studied in this descriptive-applied study. Ten red-wattled lapwings were randomly prepared in Western Shadegan wetland and with the coordination of the environmental unit of the region through hunting in December 2019. A graphite furnace spectrometer, GBcA made in Australia, was used to determine the amounts of these elements in liver, kidney, and tail feathers. The LOD and relative standard deviation of sampling were also determined, and finally, the results were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: Based on the results, the highest cumulative concentration belonged to Cu. Its mean values in the liver, kidney, and tail feathers were 4.16%, 3.95%, and 1.77 mg/kg, respectively. The highest and lowest means of Pb, Hg, Ni, and heavy Cu elements in the kidney tissue were 1.974 and 1.08 mg/kg, respectively. Based on these results, the kidney was the most important tissue accumulating heavy elements in red-wattled lapwing. Conclusion: Overall, there were significant amounts of heavy elements in various organs of the red-wattled lapwing present in Shadegan wetland. These results indicated the relatively high levels of pollution in Shadegan wetland compared to some other bird habitats in Iran, which is probably attributed to the oil, gas, petrochemical, and sugarcane industries around Shadegan wetland.

Feeding guild structure of birds at Keshopur Chhamb wetland, Gurdaspur

To achieve a comprehensive understanding of avian feeding guild structure the present study was conducted at Keshopur wetland Ramsar site, district Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. A total of 121 species of birds belonging to 19 orders and 47 families were observed. Direct observation techniques and focal sampling methods were used to study their foraging behaviour. Seven major feeding guilds ie., carnivorous, insectivorous, omnivorous, granivorous, herbivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous were found. Maximum number of species were of carnivorous guild (28%) followed by insectivorous (21%). Cattle egret and red-wattled lapwing, members of carnivorous guild were observed to feed on insects also, hence placed in multiple guilds. Northern shoveler, eurasian coots and purple moorhen were seen foraging in association with each other. The large number of insectivorous birds depicts the presence of rich number of insects. The presence of birds belonging to seven foraging guilds highlight the significance of Keshopur wetland in providing a rich feeding ground to both migratory as well as resident birds.

Aggressiveness in a subtropical shorebird's nest defense is adjusted to the predator species and shared by conspecifics.

Aggression is an important component of an animal's defense when protecting offspring from predators. Ground nesting birds use a variety of defense strategies. However, their choice according to situation context is poorly known, especially in nonpasserines and in the subtropics and tropics. The ability to distinguish between differently dangerous predator species and the opportunity to share defense with conspecifics are potentially important but little-studied aspects of nest defense strategy. We experimentally studied the nest defense of Red-Wattled Lapwing in an individually marked population in a desert area near Dubai, UAE. We used three stuffed models representing 1) a predator dangerous both to adults and to nests (a cat), 2) a nest predator (a raven), and 3) a harmless reference model (a moorhen). We confirmed that the lapwings distinguished between predator species (being most aggressive toward the cat, and least aggressive toward the moorhen) and adjusted their defense strategy accordingly. In addition, conspecific visitors play a variety of roles in parents' defense strategy. They can strengthen the parental reaction, or they can assist in distracting a predator. The visitors included not only nesting neighbors but also nonbreeding floaters. Both parents participated in nest defense to a similar extent, regardless of incubation stage and ambient temperature. This study provides new insight into the complexity of the defensive patterns in ground-nesting birds inhabiting a hot environment. Comparative experimental research on a range of environments, with various bird species and predator models, can help us to understand the drivers of these defensive behavioral patterns.

Environmental features influencing Red-wattled Lapwing and River Lapwing in a suburban area of the lower Gangetic plains, West Bengal, India

Environmental features influencing Red-wattled Lapwing and River Lapwing in a suburban area of the lower Gangetic plains, West Bengal, India

Diel timing of nest predation changes across breeding season in a subtropical shorebird.

Predation is the most common cause of nest failure in birds. While nest predation is relatively well studied in general, our knowledge is unevenly distributed across the globe and taxa, with, for example, limited information on shorebirds breeding in subtropics. Importantly, we know fairly little about the timing of predation within a day. Here, we followed 444 nests of the red‐wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus), a ground‐nesting shorebird, for a sum of 7,828 days to estimate a nest predation rate, and continuously monitored 230 of these nests for a sum of 2,779 days to reveal how the timing of predation changes over the day and season in a subtropical desert. We found that 312 nests (70%) hatched, 76 nests (17%) were predated, 23 (5%) failed for other reasons, and 33 (7%) had an unknown fate. Daily predation rate was 0.95% (95%CrI: 0.76% – 1.19%), which for a 30‐day long incubation period translates into ~25% (20% – 30%) chance of nest being predated. Such a predation rate is low compared to most other avian species. Predation events (N = 25) were evenly distributed across day and night, with a tendency for increased predation around sunrise, and evenly distributed also across the season, although night predation was more common later in the season, perhaps because predators reduce their activity during daylight to avoid extreme heat. Indeed, nests were never predated when midday ground temperatures exceeded 45℃. Whether the diel activity pattern of resident predators undeniably changes across the breeding season and whether the described predation patterns hold for other populations, species, and geographical regions await future investigations.

Bird Strike to Aircrafts An Assessment of Changing Bird Populations at Select Indian Airfields

Bird Strikes (BS) are a significant threat to flight safety and a serious economic concern in the aviation industry. Variation of population and activity of different birds over an airfield leads to variation in their vulnerability for Bird Strike as well. In this study, an attempt was made to document the monthly variation of bird activity over three Indian airfields situated in different bio-geographical provinces in the year 2019-20. A significant activity of Black Kites (including the sub-species Black-eared Kite namely Milvus migrans govinda and Milvus migrans lineatus) and Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) were studied to understand their annual cycle as well as long term changes in their activity over airfields (over 30 years). Agra recorded an increase of 10.3 times in the activity of Black Kites in forty years. Black Kite data in correlation with the past information on Vultures indicate that the Black Kites are taking over the ecological niche of Vultures. Sirsa recorded an increase of 15 times in the activity of Red-wattled Lapwings in ten years and started dwindling again. The numbers of both species were stable over the Jodhpur airfield. The probable causes for long-term changes in Black Kite activity were identified as the type of waste management of the cities nearby, presence of other birds and migration. Similarly, changes in the activity of Red-wattled Lapwing could be partly attributed to the type of vegetation cover, long-term ecological changes, and intensive harassment of the bird. These findings will help airfield safety managers to initiate Solid Waste Management projects in the nearby city and monitor the bird population to control the major variations.

Potential of Avitourism in Tanjung Laboh, Johor

Avitourism or birdwatching tourism is currently an emerging sub-sector in nature-based tourism industry. Although birdwatching is well established in Johor, however, the focus only concentrated on the famous birdwatching hotspot areas such as Panti Bird Sanctuary, Endau-Rompin National Park and many more. Other areas in Johor was remained understudied and the potential as Avitourism/birdwatching spot was remained undiscovered. Hence, this study aims to fill in this loophole by providing the checklist of the bird species and investigating the potential of Avitourism in Tanjung Laboh, Johor. The method used was a direct observation by using a binocular (10 x 50 magnifications) and a video recorder. For the evaluation of Avitourism, a set of questionnaire was distributed among Tanjung Laboh villagers consisting of fifteen respondents. Determination of flagship species was done based on the criteria of good nature tourism products modified from WTO/UNDP. A total of 21 bird species were recorded in Tanjung Laboh. From this, 18 bird species are resident, and three bird species are migrant. In terms of conservation status, 18 species are listed as Least Concern (LC) and three species are Vulnerable (VU). Five species were chosen as flagship species due to their high potential to be developed as a product for Avitourism. The species are Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), White Breasted Waterhen (Amaururnis phoenicurus), Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus), White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and Lesser Adjutants (Leptoptilos javanicus) because of its higher score as a product in Avitourism which includes the criteria such as safety, reliability of a sighting, morphological attractiveness, behavioral enticement, rarity, endemism, and cultural linkages. Therefore, it can be concluded that Tanjung Laboh has a high potential to be develop as one of the birdwatching and Avitourism spot in Johor.

An artificial lakes system intended for human recreation supports a vital breeding population of Red-wattled Lapwing in the Arabian Desert

Elhassan, E. E. M., M. Sládeček, S. Badaam, K. Brynychová, P. Chajma, V. Firlová, V. Janatová, V. Kubelka, L. Pešková, E. Vozabulová, A. Almuhery, and M. Šálek. 2021. An artificial lakes system intended for human recreation supports a vital breeding population of Red-wattled Lapwing in the Arabian Desert. Avian Conservation and Ecology 16(2):20. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-01978-160220

Diagnosing nest predators and anti-predator response of red wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783)

Identification of nest predators and anti-predator behavior of Vanellus indicus (red wattled lapwings) were studied during two constitutive breeding periods (March-August) of 2018 and 2019. The study was performed along the river Ganges, Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), India. The number of nesting pairs was counted by the line transect method and anti-predator responses were recorded by the focal sampling method. The nesting pairs varied significantly within and between study sites and years. A variety of predators (avian, mammalian and reptilian) were identified while some predators were designated in the unknown category. Sitting tight response was significantly different during the incubation period. The mobbing response, flying away and running away responses were significantly different during the post-incubation period. Circle noisily over the nests and alarm call were not significant between the two reproductive stages. We conclude that red wattled lapwings can differentiate among diverse predator species and adopt various anti-predator responses against them at different stages of their breeding cycle.

Seasonal Population Fluctuations in Some Non-Passeriformes at Marala Head, Pakistan

Point count method was used to determine the relative abundance of non-passerine species at Marala wetlands (District Sialkot, Pakistan) during different calendar months between October, 2000 and September, 2001. Six species (Hoopoe, Lapwing, Spotted Owlet, Osprey, Indian Roller and Indian Nightjar) were recorded. Osprey and Spotted Owlet appearing in smaller numbers and Red Wattled Lapwing as a dominant resident. All the species were resident with some variation in population sizes during different seasons, though Osprey was a winter visitor.

English

This study documented some aspects of breeding biology of Red Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) such as breeding season, nest structure, clutch size, incubation period, hatching and fledgling success in Bahawalpur District. We selected 6 sites for the observation; barren, open, cultivated, grassy, area along road sides, and constructed areas with the common vegetation of Cynodon dactylon, Ziziphus mauritiana, Albizia procera, Cincrus ciliarus, Cincrus biflorus, Arva jawanica, Eucalyptus cameldulensis, Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora and Conocarpus spp. During the breeding season, the male selects territory. Breeding season starts from April to June. Both male and female participate in nest formation, incubation and other parental duties. Clutch size was mostly 4 and the mean of the clutch size was 4±0.0 (range 0-4). The incubation period of the eggs was 25-28 days and the average of the incubation period was 27.1±0.4. Total eggs were 24 in 6 nests, out of which 22 were hatched. The percentage of hatched eggs was 91% and the mean hatching rate was 91.6±5.2 per clutch. Fledgling success was 79.1±7.6 and the percentage of the fledging was 79%. Predation rate in red wattled lapwing was also observed; it was very high due to anthropogenic activities.   Key words: Red wattled lapwing, breeding biology, Vanellus indicus, Southern Punjab.

Sighting of a Large Flock of Red-Wattled Lapwing <i>Vanellus indicus</i> in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sighting of a Large Flock of Red-Wattled Lapwing <i>Vanellus indicus</i> in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India