First record of a regularly occupied nesting ground of Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus malabaricus (Boddaert) in agricultural environs of Punjab with notes on its biology

Abstract

Amongst the three resident species of Lapwings reported from Punjab, the Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus malabaricus (Boddaert) is considered as a rare bird in Punjab. Except for some scattered sightings, to date, there has been no report of regular presence of Yellow-wattled Lapwing inhabiting a particular area in Punjab. During the present study spanning over a period of 12 months (January 2014 December 2014), the hitherto unrecorded continuous occurrence of a group of individuals in a particular area (latitude: 30; 43; 52.60 N & longitude: 76; 09; 54.59 E) situated alongside the Delhi-Ludhiana National Highway past Khanna city have been noticed. In the months of April-May 2014, the two pairs of individuals laid a total of four clutches consisting of four eggs each. Preliminary observations have been made on its feeding, nesting and breeding biology. The presently recorded habitat is a private land and the lapwing individuals are facing twin threats of habitat deterioration and its eventual destruction. The study necessitates immediate initiatives for conservation and rehabilitation of this habitat, sustaining the continuous survival of this rare bird.