On the fundamentals of breeding biology and present threats to red wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) in agricultural landscape of Punjab

Abstract

In this paper data is presented on the various aspects of the breeding biology of Red Wattled Lapwing. The present study was conducted for two consecutive years, from April 2012 to June 2013 in fields of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Red Wattled Lapwing is a seasonal breeder, with the peak of egg laying occurring in end of April to end of May. Total 37 nests were observed in two breeding seasons. Maximum nesting was observed in harvested wheat fields. Clutch size of 4 eggs was found to be more frequent. The incubation period was between 25 to 32 days. Average hatching success of 59% and 46.77 % was recorded during the 2012 and 2013 breeding seasons, respectively. Predation, nest damage and hatching failure, were possible reasons for low hatching success of Red Wattled Lapwing. Roles and behaviour of the parents were observed from egg laying to hatching.