Bird Watching and Following…..

                                                                                      by V. S. Negi

The Red-wattled Lapwing or टिटहरी ; as it is commonly and locally known is an interesting, attractive and commonly breeding resident of the plains surrounding river Yamuna in North India. 

From the Charadriiformes  Order of Charadriidae Family, this bird is found in open areas and wetlands. It is characterized by a typical plover with black tipped red bill, crimson red wattle and bright yellow legs, but moreover identified by its screaming sound; like a loud alarm call which is variously rendered as ‘Did he do it‘ or ‘Pity to do it’, leading to colloquial names like the “Did-he-do-it bird”.

Although most Charadrids live on or near water, some species prefer ploughed fields, grazing land, margins  and dry beds of tanks and puddles or grasslands or open areas to lay eggs.

Although they are usually seen in pairs or small groups; not far from water, but they may also form large flocks in the non-breeding season. While nesting, they will attempt to dive bomb or distract potential predators. Both the male and the female incubate the eggs and divert predators using distraction displays or flash their wings to deter any herbivores that threaten the nest.

The diet of the Lapwing includes a range of insects, snails and other invertebrates, mostly picked from the ground. They may also feed on some grains.

In parts of India, a local belief is that the bird sleeps on its back with the legs upwards and an associated Hindi metaphor Tithiri se asman thama jayega ("can the pee-wit support the heavens?") is used when referring to persons undertaking tasks beyond their ability or strength. In parts of Rajasthan, it is believed that the laying of eggs by the lapwing on high ground is an indication of good rains to come.

The reproductive success of Red-wattled Lapwing is about 40%. Egg mortality is high due to presence of natural predators like the mongoose, the crow and the kite. The newly hatched Chicks have even lower mortality and their survival improves only after their first week…… My wishes for their happy surrounding, our surrounding!

Author's Bio- Note:

V.S. Negi is an Associate Professor at Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and an avid bird- watcher.