Indigenous to North Africa, the Middle East, and Mediterranean regions, the Spur-Winged Lapwing recently made a notable appearance at Ammavaripet Lake near Warangal. Thriving predominantly in the sub-Saharan belt of central Africa, these elegant wading birds also call various Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean countries home, including Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. Found in diverse habitats such as dry grounds near bodies of fresh or saltwater, marshes, burnt grasslands, agricultural fields, saltpans, mudflats, dunes, and beaches, Spur-Winged Lapwings exhibit a striking appearance with their one-foot-tall stature, distinctive brown, black, and white plumage, and vibrant red eyes.
Known for their gregarious nature, these avian wonders utilize a repertoire of vocalizations to attract mates, defend territory, and signal threats. Active both day and night, their behavioral patterns are contingent upon prey and predator concentrations. As adept ambush predators, they feed primarily on insects, insect larvae, invertebrates, small lizards, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and occasionally seeds. Equipped with long, slender legs suitable for wading and running, and large eyes crucial for hunting, Spur-Winged Lapwings play a vital role in regulating invertebrate populations within their ecosystems.
Characterized by their captivating white cheek feathers, black head cap, brown wings set against a black body, and long black legs, the Spur-Winged Lapwing, also known as the Spur-Winged Plover, stands out as a distinguished wading bird. In their native Africa, these lapwings exhibit limited travel outside their home area, making short movements to locate wetter regions within their habitats, where they diligently forage for small invertebrates.
With variable breeding seasons dictated by their extensive range, Spur-Winged Lapwings engage in solitary monogamous pairs and often join mixed-species bird nesting colonies for protection against predation. Nesting in groups contributes to the safeguarding of these birds and their offspring. Nest construction involves a scrape on the ground, sometimes lined with vegetation, where the female lays two eggs displaying yellow hues with brownish-black mottling. After a 28-day incubation period, both sexes participate in feeding the young.
Their diet, encompassing softbill, feline diet, capelin, mealworms, and insectivore diet, underscores their adaptability and role in maintaining ecological balance. An interesting aside, the Spur-Winged Lapwing earns its name from a small spur-like appendage concealed in each wing, a tool employed for defence against perceived threats to themselves or their offspring, as noted by the Beauty of Birds.
In the heart of Warangal, where history whispers through ancient stones, a new tale began to unfold. Amidst the lush landscapes and tranquil waters, an avian secret emerged – an African-Mediterranean wader bird, a wanderer from distant shores, graced the city for the first time in Indian history.
As the news spread like wildfire, it carried with it a mix of known facts and enigmatic mysteries. The annual avian exodus to foreign lands suddenly seemed more magical, and the untouched wonders of nature stood unveiled. The proud witnesses in Warangal marvelled at the unprecedented moment, realizing that some mysteries are destined to remain just that.
The photograph would serve as a testament to the incredible diversity of life and the unpredictable surprises that nature, in all its majesty, bestows upon us. In that moment, Warangal embraced its newfound avian resident, and the world celebrated the harmonious dance of the mysterious and the known in the grand tapestry of existence.
Capturing the elusive beauty of a rare bird making its inaugural visit to India is a profound honor. In the enchanting tapestry of incredible India, this moment becomes an indelible record, marking the bird’s historic debut on Indian soil. The lens becomes a storyteller, freezing in time the wings of this extraordinary visitor, an ambassador of avian wonders. It’s not just a photograph; it’s a celebration of the harmonious dance between nature’s mysteries and the fortunate observer. This first-ever encounter adds a vibrant feather to India’s ornithological cap, a testament to the nation’s rich biodiversity and the photographer’s privileged lens.
This was photographed at Ammavaripet Lake, Warangal, Telangana State, India
These rare photographs have been clicked and contributed by K. Shiva Kumar, a professional Wildlife Storyteller (M.A in Journalism & Mass Communication, an alumnus of Central University Of Odisha, Koraput) from Hyderabad, Telangana.
K. Shiva, is passionate about wildlife conservation. Through his work, he hopes to inspire greater appreciation for the wildlife that shares our planet and encourages conservation action.
