The yellow-wattled lapwing is a lapwing that is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. It is found mainly on the dry plains of peninsular India and has a sharp call and is capable of fast flight. Although they do not migrate, they are known to make seasonal movements in response to rains. They are dull grey brown with a black cap, yellow legs and a triangular wattle at the base of the beak. Like other lapwings and plovers, they are ground birds and their nest is a mere collection of tiny pebbles within which their well camouflaged eggs are laid. The chicks are nidifugous, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and following their parents to forage for food.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across peninsular India and locally in Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, chiefly on dry plains and open farmland. Prefers short-grass pastures, fallow fields, scrubby flats, and semi-arid landscapes with sparse cover. Often uses stony ground or lightly grazed grasslands for nesting and foraging. After seasonal rains it may shift locally to freshly moistened fields and ephemeral wetlands but generally avoids dense vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This lapwing is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent and favors dry, open country. It has striking yellow facial wattles and legs and a fast, direct flight. Breeding is timed around pre-monsoon showers, and the downy chicks are nidifugous, leaving the scrape nest soon after hatching. Pairs or small groups often perform distraction displays to lure predators away from nests.
Yellow-wattled Lapwing in flight
Temperament
wary but vocal
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups, sometimes forming larger post-breeding aggregations. Nests are shallow scrapes on bare earth or gravel with minimal lining. Clutches usually contain 3–4 well-camouflaged eggs, and adults perform distraction displays to deter threats. Chicks are nidifugous and follow parents to foraging areas within hours of hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched yelps and rattling notes, often given in rapid series. Vocalizations intensify near nests and during territorial chases. Flight calls are clipped and carry well over open country.
Plumage
Dull grey-brown upperparts with paler underparts, neat black cap bordered by thin whitish lines, and clean white patches visible in flight. Tail shows white with a dark terminal band. Plumage is smooth and unspotted, aiding camouflage on stony ground.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as termites, ants, beetles, and their larvae, as well as small invertebrates like spiders and worms. It occasionally takes small snails and seeds. Forages by walking briskly and making short pecks at prey detected on the ground surface.
Preferred Environment
Forages in short-grass pastures, ploughed fields, open scrub, and along the edges of puddles or ephemeral pools after rains. Often uses lightly grazed or fallow farmland where visibility is good.
